Rev. Robert Richardson Tolar, Sr.

Abingdon, Virginia 

Rev. Robert Richardson Tolar, Sr.

Robert (Bob) met his Holy God face-to-face on Monday, February 3, 2025 (age 91) at English Meadows Assisted Living in Abingdon, VA.

Robert was born in Parkton, NC. He was a faithful son, husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family with passion! The next love of his life was serving Holy God as a pastor in the life of the Presbyterian Church (USA). He served congregations in Virginia, West Virginia, and other places around the country. He preached every Sunday until age 85. He graduated from Presbyterian Junior College (Maxton, NC), Atlantic Christian College (Wilson, NC), and Union Theological Seminary (Richmond, VA). Music was his second language. He treasured scripture, and poetry – much of which was committed to memory. He was a well-read scholar, attentive to Christ’s people, and upheld his faith in his words, actions, preaching, and teaching.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm and Elizabeth (Williford) Tolar; brother, Joseph Marion (Marta); and sister, Elizabeth Moore. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Doris K. Tolar, of Abingdon (Originally of Kinston, NC). They shared a committed married life of 65 years. He is survived by Robert R. Tolar, Jr. (Paige L. Tolar) of Grove City, Ohio, Donna Tolar Jarvis of Abingdon, VA, and Paul K. Tolar (Elizabeth) of Staunton, VA. Grandchildren include Mackenzie Regen Love (Nathan), Erin Tolar, Elizabeth Tolar Cash (Trent), Tobey Robert Tolar, Vale Tolar, and Gavin Tolar. Special friends included Fred, Gypsy, and Zac Holt of Abingdon, VA and Sarah Evers of Lynchburg, VA. 

A memorial service will be held at Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church 136 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA on Saturday, February 15 – 10am visitation, 11am worship service, and 12pm lunch.  

In lieu of flowers, please send monetary gifts to Massanetta Springs Presbyterian Conference Center (712 Massanetta Springs Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801) or Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church (136 East Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210).

To share memories of Robert Richardson Tolar, Sr., please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Robert has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion VA 24354.