Byron Toney

Byron Toney, age 76, a 50-year resident of the Annapolis, MD area passed away August 3, 2024, in St. Augustine, FL. He was born in Oak Ridge, TN on August 8, 1947. The son of Arnold and Mary Toney, he was raised in Paducah, KY, and graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School in 1965 and Murray State University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree. Upon graduation from college, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Music Program. He was stationed in Little Creek, VA from 1969-1971, serving on the USS Independence and USS Saratoga while deployed to the Mediterranean. Byron played tuba, string, and electric bass in the U.S. Naval Academy Band from January 1972 until retirement as a Senior Chief Musician (MUCS) in August 1990. While serving at the Naval Academy, he was in the Superintendent’s Combo, the Dixie Land Band, and Ceremonial and Marching Units. He also acted as the band’s supply and purchasing officer. Byron pursued his passion for music as a member of The New Moods, Doc Hochman Dixieland Band, and Zim Zemarel Band, performing throughout the Baltimore-Washington area. Byron was an active member of the Navy Musicians Association (NMA), the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), and the American Legion. Upon retirement, he worked in band & orchestra instrument sales at Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center in Wheaton, MD, for over 25 years. Byron is survived by his wife of 55 years, Cathy (Dowdy) Toney; four daughters, Brenda (Brendon) Harper, Whitney (Eric) Wheeling, Rebecca (Shawn) Harper and Renae (Neil) Szymczak; and brother, Randy (Debbie) Toney. Byron’s proudest honor was that of “Granddaddy” to his 12 grandchildren; Cullen, Presley, Keely, Patrick, Kyra, Molly, Braden, Ryan, Dean, Ellie, Gunnar, and Eve. Over the years, in addition to Byron’s musical career, he was President of the Cape St. Claire Garden Club, Chairman of the Board at the Naval Academy Primary School, Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, adjunct faculty at Anne Arundel Community College, and a lifelong avid fisherman. For the past two years, Byron and Cathy resided in St. Augustine, FL. Memorial contributions can be made to The Donna Foundation to benefit breast cancer research and patient support. https://thedonnafoundation.org/ A memorial service will be held on November 29, 2024, at 11 am ET at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in West River, MD.

Byron Toney

August 8, 1947 - August 3, 2024