Eugene William
Tolley, Sr., 74
CAMBRIDGE - Eugene "Gene" William Tolley, Sr. passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020 at UMSMC at Dorchester.
Born on April 25, 1946 in Fishing Creek, Maryland he was the son of the late Venie Meekins and William Travers Tolley.
Gene started working the waters with his father at the age of six years old. Beginning at such a young age all he knew was the value of hard work and he continued to work hard until his health forced him to slow down and then into retirement.
On July 13, 1964, Gene married the love of his life the former Shirley Pritchett. They made their home in Cambridge and together raised three children.
Gene was a well known local businessman and community advocate. He loved the area and its people, all people. Gene was always involved in ways of helping others, be it giving someone a needed ride home or speaking up at a council meeting on the neighborhood's behalf. Gene always was outspoken concerning activities and opportunities for the youth. He was a Little League Coach for over 20 years. He loved working with children and watching them grow into great ball players. Gene never met a stranger he was known as being a talker and talked to anyone who would talk back.
Gene and his wife have worn many hats. For many years they were restaurant owners, operators, then restaurant equipment sales and school bus contractors. For years they also operated Tolley's Theatre in downtown Cambridge. Gene was saddened when the changing times forced its closure because it was something for the young people to do.
Listening to country music was a favorite pastime and giving his best shot at singing karaoke. Gene and Shirley traveled to Nashville once a year and enjoyed all the shenanigans that went on there.
He will truly be missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Linda M. Marshall and her husband Billy; son, Michael Tolley; grandchildren, William Marshall, Casey Marshall, Megan Hughes and her husband Anthony, William C. Tolley, Koby Tolley, Michael Tolley, Jr. and Taylor Tolley; great grandchildren, Raelynne Tolley, Paisleigh Hughes and Mazie Hughes; niece, Barbara Kight and her husband Richard.
Preceded in his death besides his parents; was a son, Eugene William Tolley, Jr.; half-sister, Lois Sheetz; step-brothers, Guy Meekins and William Meekins.
A walk through viewing was held on Monday, December 21, 2020 at Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home from 1 - 2 p.m.
A funeral service began at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Dave Wooten, Jr. officiated. Interment followed at Dorchester Memorial Park, Cambridge. Social distancing and wearing of face coverings were required.
Serving as pallbearers were Michael Tolley, Billy L. Marshall, Billy W. Marshall, Koby Tolley, Anthony Hughes and Shane Bloodsworth.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gene's name can be sent to Pleasant Day Adult Day Care Center, 2474 Cambridge Beltway, Cambridge, MD 21613 or Cambridge Little League, 1619 Race St., Cambridge, MD 21613.
To share online condolences with the family, please visit www.newcombcollins.com