William Leon Toney was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on July 7, 1943 to Joseph W. Toney and Inez B. Toney.  He transitioned to be with the Lord on June 14, 2024.  His love for life and constant joy radiated brightly among all those who had the privilege to know him and to share in his light.

Mr. Toney was a graduate of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School system where he attended Kimberley Park Elementary School,Atkins High School, and Paisley High School. He later went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in instrumental music at North Carolina A&T State University.

He spent his entire career teaching music and was affectionately known as "The Band Man".  Under his direction, the Kennedy and West Forsyth marching, concert, and jazz bands received numerous excellent and superior ratings and awards at band festivals and competitions, performing at musical events along the east coast of the United States and in the Bahamas. He was a long-time member of the North Carolina Music Educators Association.  In June 2000, Mr. Toney retired from the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System, where he served as a band director for thirty-three years without missing a single day of work.

Mr. Toney was a faithful member and pillar at St. John C.M.E Church, where he served as Director of Instrumental Music and Chairman of the Steward Board. He provided excellent stewardship of the church's finances and played a pivotal role in helping the church pay off its mortgage.  He also conducted the first citywide orchestra for a Unity Revival, which included a diverse group of churches from across the city.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Inez Toney; his sisters, Josephine Toney Steele, Berthenia Toney Potts, Fostina Toney West, Mae Frances Toney Davis, and Imogene Toney Beverly; his brothers, Julius Toney and Henry James Toney; his son, William Leon Toney, Jr.; and his brother-in-law, Melton J. Sadler.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Bernice C. Toney; daughter, Patrice Y. Toney; grandsons, Tre Leon Toney and Jordan T. Toney; sister, Shirley Sadler; and a host of his "favorite" nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.

William Toney's dedication to music education and his community will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Monday, June 17, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held 1:00pm Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at St. John CME Church. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12:00noon until 1:00pm on Tuesday at the Church.