Celebrating the life of
Melvin E. "Papa" Toland
June 09, 1930 - November 29, 2016
Melvin E. “Papa” Toland
Savannah – Melvin Toland, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather died November 29, 2016 at Candler Hospital after a short illness. He was 86.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Dorothy Niblett Toland; his parents, Walter Eugene Toland and Elizabeth Ann Toland; his brothers, James Merlin, Alfred Bernard and Ellis (Lucky).
Melvin was born in Danville, Kentucky but moved to Macon, GA at an early age. From there his family moved to Juliette, GA, and from there he joined the Army…but not before marrying his sweetheart “Dot”. After honorably serving his country in the Korean War, he returned home and they settled in Savannah in 1953. After a long career, he was finally able to retire from Kroger where he remained in touch with his friends from work. He loved watching westerns, the older the better, and he was no fair-weather Braves fan. He was loyal even when they had the worst record in baseball. He loved his country music, also the older the better, and spoke often of listening to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio late into the night. Those passions, however, paled in comparison to his infinite love for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. For “Papa”, life was spending time with them. The rest was just waiting.
He is survived by his son, Melvin Jr., his daughters, Deronda Becton (Ron) and Michelle Hoover (David), his five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
Remembrances may be made to the Nancy and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion, 225 Candler Dr., Savannah, GA 31405.
We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Mels,passing.he will be missed.we will be praying for God's peace. With sympathy, roy whitell family.
- Roy white family, Guyton, Ga.
We are so sorry for the loss of your sweet Papa. May the wonderful memories sustain you during this very difficult time. Know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, The Paderewski Family
- Paderewski, Savannah, Ga
I met Mel at Kroger where he would come in to shop and visit with his longtime friend and my co-worker, Kerry Ward. He always had time for good conversations with me and greeted me with "Hello hard worker." I will miss Mel but know that he's gone to a better place where there is no suffering. I look forward to seeing him again when my time arrives. We will cherish our memories of him and know that when we walk with God, the best is yet to come.
- Connie Farris, Savannah, GA
I met Mel at Kroger where he would come in to shop and visit with his longtime friend and my co-worker, Kerry Ward. He always had time for good conversations with me and greeted me with "Hello hard worker." I will miss Mel but know that he's gone to a better place where there is no suffering. I look forward to seeing him again when my time arrives. We will cherish our memories of him and know that when we walk with God, the best is yet to come.
- Connie Farris, Savannah, GA
I met Mel at Kroger where he would come in to shop and visit with his longtime friend and my co-worker, Kerry Ward. He always had time for good conversations with me and greeted me with "Hello hard worker." I will miss Mel but know that he's gone to a better place where there is no suffering. I look forward to seeing him again when my time arrives. We will cherish our memories of him and know that when we walk with God, the best is yet to come.
- Connie Farris, Savannah, GA
I met Mel at Kroger where he would come in to shop and visit with his longtime friend and my co-worker, Kerry Ward. He always had time for good conversations with me and greeted me with "Hello hard worker." I will miss Mel but know that he's gone to a better place where there is no suffering. I look forward to seeing him again when my time arrives. We will cherish our memories of him and know that when we walk with God, the best is yet to come.
- Connie Farris, Savannah, GA
We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Mels,passing.he will be missed.we will be praying for God's peace. With sympathy, roy whitell family.
- Roy white family, Guyton, Ga.
We are so sorry for the loss of your sweet Papa. May the wonderful memories sustain you during this very difficult time. Know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, The Paderewski Family
- Paderewski, Savannah, Ga
I met Mel at Kroger where he would come in to shop and visit with his longtime friend and my co-worker, Kerry Ward. He always had time for good conversations with me and greeted me with "Hello hard worker." I will miss Mel but know that he's gone to a better place where there is no suffering. I look forward to seeing him again when my time arrives. We will cherish our memories of him and know that when we walk with God, the best is yet to come.
- Connie Farris, Savannah, GA
I met Mel at Kroger where he would come in to shop and visit with his longtime friend and my co-worker, Kerry Ward. He always had time for good conversations with me and greeted me with "Hello hard worker." I will miss Mel but know that he's gone to a better place where there is no suffering. I look forward to seeing him again when my time arrives. We will cherish our memories of him and know that when we walk with God, the best is yet to come.
- Connie Farris, Savannah, GA
I met Mel at Kroger where he would come in to shop and visit with his longtime friend and my co-worker, Kerry Ward. He always had time for good conversations with me and greeted me with "Hello hard worker." I will miss Mel but know that he's gone to a better place where there is no suffering. I look forward to seeing him again when my time arrives. We will cherish our memories of him and know that when we walk with God, the best is yet to come.
- Connie Farris, Savannah, GA
I met Mel at Kroger where he would come in to shop and visit with his longtime friend and my co-worker, Kerry Ward. He always had time for good conversations with me and greeted me with "Hello hard worker." I will miss Mel but know that he's gone to a better place where there is no suffering. I look forward to seeing him again when my time arrives. We will cherish our memories of him and know that when we walk with God, the best is yet to come.
- Connie Farris, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
