James Doyle "Toby" Lofton

James Doyle “Toby” Lofton, 76, of the Richmond Community, passed away on May 15, 2023 at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, with his children by his side, after an extended battle with Dementia. He was born March 14, 1947 in Tupelo to Rayvon and Winnie Ruth Lofton. On November 12, 1965 he married the love of his life, Carolyn Parmer, who he always called “The most beautiful woman in the world.“ They had two children, Tammy and Brian. Doyle was a 1965 graduate of Mooreville High School and began his career of 46 years at Krueger International in Tupelo, before retiring. Doyle was also known as Toby by his many friends, and lovingly called “Ole Doby” by his neighbors, The Fields. Doyle loved spending time with his family and friends at their place at Mill Creek in Iuka, Ms. He loved to fish and play music. He played in bands over the years and was well known for playing the piano, in which he played by ear. Before his illness progressed, you could find him playing at Carolina School House on Monday nights. Doyle was a Mason with The Richmond Lodge 97.
Doyle leaves behind his wife of nearly 58 years, Carolyn Lofton; his daughter, Tammy (Jason) and his son, James Brian, all of the Richmond Community; one sister, Margaret Lofton, of the Eggville Community. He was lovingly called Granddaddy by his grandchildren, Beth Graham (Jamie), Amanda Schumpert (Brandon), Samantha Keith (Cody), and Anna Grace Lofton; great-grandchildren, Jada Walton, Elijah Graham, Emma Keith, Hunter James Keith, Salem Graham and Kathryn (Kat) Keith.
Doyle was preceded in death by his parents; Rayvon and Winnie Ruth Lofton.
The family will celebrate Doyle’s life with a funeral service at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2023 at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues Funeral Directors with Rev. Ricky Pierce and Rev. Sammy Raper officiating. Burial with Masonic Rites will be in Eggville Cemetery. Visitation will be 11 a.m. until service time at Pegues, Tupelo.
Pallbearers will be Jamie Graham, Cody Keith, Shane Marcy, Brad Marcy, Brandon Reid, and Chris Coward
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at PeguesFuneralHome.com.