Raymond C. Toler

Raymond Toler passed away Wednesday June 11th at age 86. He was born in Tyler, Texas in 1927 the son of Blanche and James Olen Toler. He moved to Arkadelphia, Arkansas at the age of 14 and was a 1944 graduate of Arkadelphia High School. Raymond began his college education at Henderson State Teachers College. After his sophomore year at Henderson he entered the United States Army, where he served as a Sergeant and Chief Clerk with the 4th Army attached to the 5th Air Force, stationed with the 395th Hospital in Nagoya, Japan. After his tour of duty, Raymond continued his education at Henderson and graduated in 1950 with a degree in Business Administration. As a Henderson student his leadership surfaced as a charter member of the Rho Chapter of Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity. He also served as a member of the Garlands, the Reddie Booster Club, The Student Christian Association and the R.O.T.C. Raymond's Career in banking began with the Citizens National Bank in Arkadelphia in 1956 as an assistant cashier. After graduating in 1962 from the School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University, Raymond became a central figure at Citizens in Arkadelphia. He was elected to the bank board of directors in 1964 and became President and CEO of the Citizens First Bank in 1990. Raymond retired from the bank in 1993, but until 1997 remained as chairman of the Arkadelphia Board as well as a member of the Board of Directors for the Citizens First Bank in Little Rock. He capped his banking career, spanning four decades, as a consultant for the F.D.H. Bank shares. In his typical fashion, Raymond punctuated his professional banking responsibilities with a multitude of volunteer assignments and contributions with the Arkansas Banking Association. As a community leader, Raymond understood the value of investing in Arkansas's youth and helping established the states first student loan program by working in conjunction with the United Student Aid Fund. The initial loans, which were privately administered, later became the federal student loan program we are familiar with today. Raymond once commented, "One of my greatest satisfactions in life was having the ability, through banking to help students finance their college educations." They never forgot the opportunity our loan program gave them. Community activities were always important to Raymond. Early in his career he was very active with the Junior Chamber of Commerce thereafter continuing his affiliation through the Arkadelphia Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Arkadelphia Planning Commission for 35 years and served the Clark County Red Cross for 20 years in various capacities, including board member, treasurer and fund raising chairman. He served 2 1/2 years as President of Henderson Alumni Board, served in the Clark County Boy Scouts of America Council as treasurer and area fund raiser, and was co-commissioner of the Jr. Deputy Baseball League. He also helped to establish the Battle of the Ravine Trophy in 1977. As Chairman of the Clark Count Memorial Hospital Governing Board, He was instrumental in the establishment and development of the Twin Rivers Medical Center and the subsequent lease of operations to the Baptist Medical Systems. His services as chairman continued through the planning and construction of the new hospital. Raymond still served on the advisory board for the Baptist Medical Board in Arkadelphia. Raymond was a strong Christian man who served the Lord throughout his life. For over 60 years Raymond was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Arkadelphia. Eager to serve his church, his responsibilities included thirty years as Church Treasurer, accepting assignments in numerous committees and ushering on Sunday mornings for many years. His love for Christmas was well known and until his strokes in 2004 which affected his ability to decorate for Christmas. Raymond was a member of and past President of the Arkadelphia Lions Club. In 2000 the Arkadelphia Lions Club presented him with the Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest award given by the Lions Club. In 2011 the Lions Club honored him with a Life Time Membership. Raymond is survived by his wife of 64 years the former Winona Stevens Toler of Ashdown. They had three children: Susan Toler Sullivan who preceded him in death, Steven Toler (Kathleen) of Arkadelphia and Jan Toler Howell of Arkadelphia. Five Grandchildren, Leigh Anne Suber (Danny), Brannan Pass (Matthew) Amy Toler, Tiffanie Toler, and Ashley Weathersby, great-grandchildren: Toler Richburg, Josie Suber, Susan Grayton Pass, Ila Pass, Payton and Kade Weathersby. Raymond was an inspiration to his family during his long illness, accepting his disability love and grace, keeping his sense of humor and never complaining. Raymond was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was a compassionate man and touched the lives of many people. A special thank you to his caregivers Ray Willis and our beloved Demetrica Mitchell as well as Hospice of Baptist Health of Arkadelphia. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday in the First United Methodist Church of Arkadelphia with Pastor Jim Polk officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Raymond and Nona Toler Memorial Fund at HSU Foundation, HSU Box 7550 Arkadelphia, Ark., 71999. Sign on-line guest book at www.ruggleswilcox.com.