Danny Lawrence Toms, age 69, of Rutherfordton, passed away peacefully at home after an almost 2 year battle with cancer, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

A native of Rutherford County, Danny was born on December 2, 1956, to Paul and Thelma McNeilly Toms of Spindale. He was a 1975 graduate of R-S Central High School. Danny had also been a volunteer firefighter with the Mt. Vernon Fire Department for several years.

Danny was employed for 27 years as an Electronics & Maintenance Technician at Trelleborg (formerly Reeves Brothers) in Rutherfordton until his retirement. Prior to his time at Trelleborg, he worked at Fast Foods, and OMC, where he met the love of his life, Debbie.

Those left to cherish Danny's memory include his loving wife of nearly 36 years (March 31st), Deborah "Debbie" Nodine Toms, who never left his side, his children, Cari O'Dell Singleton (Anthony) of Rutherfordton, Danielle Toms Stroud (Adrian) of Gaffney, SC, and Cody Toms of Rutherfordton: and his grandchildren, who were the sparkle in his eyes, Agnes Toms, Peyton Singleton, Colton Stroud, Eve Toms, Olivia Stroud, and Henry Stroud.

Danny is also survived by his mother, Thelma Toms of Rutherfordton; his sisters, Paulette Vess, Cheryl Godfrey (Ray), brothers- in- law, Robert "Butch" Nodine (Judy), Jimmy Nodine, sisters-in- law, Ella Mae Suttles, Elizabeth Dunaway, and Jan Nodine, and several nieces, nephews and cousins who were very special to him.

Danny was preceded in death by his father, Paul Reid Toms; his father- and mother-in-law, Clyde and Grace Nodine; a sister-in-law, Patricia Whitaker; and brothers-in-law, Billy Ray Nodine, Junior Suttles, and Jerry "Dink" Dunaway.

Danny could often be found at Peyton and Colton's ball games, drawing with Olivia, playing cars with Henry, and sneaking all of them sweets and treats. He loved his grandchildren deeply and was especially proud to be their Paw-Paw. He was often seen wearing shirts with one or more of their names, their sports teams, or their schools proudly displayed.

A member of West Memorial Baptist Church in Rutherfordton, Danny loved his church family. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He enjoyed talking about cars, machines, tools, and Second Amendment interests. He was fond of his friends from work and his neighbors, and he was known for being dependable and kind.

Danny was also a special helper and friend to Santa, assisting with appearances at church and community events during Christmastime. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, and most days could be found enjoying an ice cream or a milkshake while listening to his favorite songs by Alabama.

Danny often said he was a winner either way — whether the Lord chose to heal him here on earth or make him whole in Heaven. He truly fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). He is the Winner. Although our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing he is now fully healed, at peace, and resting in the presence of his Savior.

Go Rest High on that Mountain Danny.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Thursday , February 19, 2026 at McMahan's Funeral Home. The funeral service will be on Saturday February 21, 2026 at West Memorial Baptist Church at 1:00 PM with Reverend Alan Beane officiating. Danny will lie-in-state 30 minutes prior to the service at West Memorial Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Memorial Baptist Church, 320 Piedmont Rd. Rutherfordton, NC 28139. McMahan's Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.