Garland Toomer

While surrounded by his loving family, Garland Wallace "GW" Toomer, 80, was called peacefully home to our Lord on Frday evening, 20 May, 2011. GW was born on 8, February, 1931, in Denton, TX to Boss and Ethel Toomer. He joined the US Navy in 1948 at the age of 17 as a machinist mate and later transitioned into his career profession; Deep Sea Diver. ON 29 August, 1953, while stationed in San Diego, CA, GW married the love of his life, Miss Jacqueline (Jackie) Ann Hovely of Brawley, CA. During his 23 year Naval Career, GW deployed aboard eight different Navy Ships which required his new "Navy Wife" Jackie, to carry a large share in raising their eight children. GW's duty stations included Norfolk, VA; San Diego, CA; Montgomery, AL; and Key West, FL. Key West was a central duty station for the Toomers where GW's considerable diving skills were not only important to the Navy but were routinely deployed to feed the family. He was so adept at catching lobster that his children were once known to comment "oh no Mom, not lobster again tonight!" GW gained his office commission in the Navy in 1960. He held command of the Naval Recruiting Station Montgomery, AL in 1969 and was awarded mutiple unit and personal awards including the Navy Occupation Medal (Asia) and the Korean Service Medal. He retired from the Navy in 1971 and immediately entered the Pensacola business world at Barnett Bank after earning his Bachelor's Degree in Management. He becam Vice-President for Commercial Loans where he served until he retired (again) in 1988. GW was a pillar in the Pensacola Community holding key positions in many organizations including chairing the Sacred Heart Association. He was also the President of the World Trade Counsel of Northwest Florida, the American Institute of Banking, the Pensacola Computer Club, and the Exchange Club. Garland was also a three time marathon runner and avid genealogist. He is preceded by his son, Spencer Paul Toomer. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Ann; his brother Tommy, and seven children; Michael Tracey (Alisha), Curtis Wayne (Michelle), Gayle Ann Valdivia (Anthony), Gregory Allen (Melva), Lorry Ann, Robin Lorraine and Sandra Leigh Lawry (Gordon). GW's legacy also includes fourteen grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Covenant Hospice of Northwest Florida.

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