William Toland Barfield, Jr.

William Toland “Toby” Barfield Jr., known to family as D, is dancing through heaven to his favorite jukebox tunes. Throughout his 72 years, Toby’s love of life was infectious; winning him lifelong friendships from growing up in Albany, GA, to early family years serving Wynnton Methodist Church in Columbus, GA, then to Durham, NC, where he grew his deepest roots. He was an obnoxiously proud Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech graduate who loved, laughed and played with reckless abandon.

Toby’s first and greatest love was his high school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Marcia. He gallivanted through life by her side, finding joy and jokes in everyday happenings, always stopping to smell the roses. He led by example, teaching his children, Toland (Sara) and Ginger Baxley (Brandon), how to put family first and live in the moment. He did anything to amuse his grandchildren Billy, Charlie, Sara Jane, Evie and Beck. Whether he was making silly faces, hosting tea parties, shooting hoops, or dancing to their favorite music, they had all his attention.

Toby shared his trademark wit and love with the community, serving on the boards of Downtown Durham Inc, Durham Arts Council, and St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation. He was proud to help spark the revitalization of downtown Durham, a place he grew to love as Vice President of the Durham Herald-Sun from 1988 to 2005. He cherished his Herald-Sun family and Durham Rotary Club friends. Later he led the local chapters of the American Red Cross and Better Business Bureau.

Friends and family will celebrate his life with laughter and fellowship on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Details to come.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the following organizations dear to the Barfield family’s hearts: Charles House Association at https://charleshouse.org/donate/ or the Duke Dementia Family Support Program at https://dukefamilysupport.org/giving/

The family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences may be shared at www.hallwynne.com.