Funeral service for Mr. Alonzo Toney will be Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the St. Paul United Methodist Church (620 6th Street ~ Triana, AL) with The Reverend Dr. Tiwirai Kufarimai officiating . Interment will be Faith Memorial Park (8100 Madison Boulevard ~ Huntsville, AL). Visitation will be Friday May 31, 2019  from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Nelms Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.

M R . A LONZO T ONEY was born November 15, 1941 in Madison County Alabama to his loving mother, Jeanette Toney Ervin and father, Jimmy Ayers. He transitioned to his Heavenly home on May 28, 2019 in Huntsville, Alabama.

Alonzo was a true Renaissance man in every respect. Alonzo was a true visionary and strategist. Through sheer force of will Alonzo carved out an abundantly successful life that originated from very humble beginnings. He was highly intelligent and talented in many areas. He was an entrepreneur, an elected official, a scholar and a farming enthusiast. Alonzo had a personality that would light up a room. He was mentally sharp as a whip and relished a good hardy laugh. Alonzo loved people and they loved him. He grew up in the town of Triana, Alabama where he fostered a brotherly bond with his cousins. They shared many antics and adventures that became the source of laughter for years. In his early school-age years Alonzo was an industrious and conscientious student at what is now West Madison Elementary School. From there he completed studies at Council Training High School.

As a young man, Alonzo proclaimed Christ as his personal Savior and became an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and explored his interest in singing and music. Alonzo was a vibrant member of the Southern Tones, a singing group of young men that included friends and cousins Herman Ayers, Richard Ayers, Alfonso Draper, Billy Griffin, Howard Griffin, Melvin Toney and Red Toney. Many in the community recall the group who traveled to surrounding churches to sing. It was at one such program where Alonzo met the girl who would become his wife. He and Carol Y. Harris were married in Decatur, Alabama in 1965. Alonzo continued to sing in the St. Paul Choir for many years after his quartet disbanded. Alonzo served the St. Paul United Methodist Church in many leadership roles, including but not limited to, Chairperson on the Administrative Council, Chairperson of Trustees, Chairperson of Finance, Sunday School teacher, member of United Methodist Men and choir member.

Alonzo was a self-made man. Determined to make a difference in not only in his life but the lives of his loved ones. Alonzo chose Nashville, Tennessee to continue his formal education. He enrolled in Tennessee State, and worked a full-time job while completing coursework. Alonzo graduated with a B.S. degree in Aeronautical Technology. He returned home to Alabama and started his career in computer science while simultaneously working toward a Master's Degree in Management at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. In 1969, Alonzo joined the staff of Alabama A&M eventually serving as Operations Manager of the newly established Computer Services Center. He was instrumental in establishing many state-of the art automated programs for the University which ensured the advancement of efficient processes in the University's Business Office. He retired in 1996. After his retirement he served as the Town of Triana Certified Water Operator until December 2017.

His concern and genuine love for his community and fellowman is evidenced by the capacities in which Alonzo chose to serve. He served as Chairperson of the Huntsville/Madison Community Action Agency and worked with Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG). Alonzo was the Mayor of the town of Triana for eight consecutive years, 1984-1992. Under his leadership the town grew and prospered. During this timeframe, Alonzo also served as the Judge in Triana.

Always an entrepreneur, he was an owner and founder of Triana Industries along with lifelong friends George Malone and Clyde Foster. The company brought employment opportunities to the town and provided a revenue source for over 25 years. This same dedication, selfless service and boundless energy led Alonzo to a collaboration between Alabama A&M University, Auburn University and a local farmer. This initiative was the first of its kind for Black farmers in Limestone County. Alonzo's love of farming extended to his own multi-acre farming operation which he later downsized to a backyard garden.

Alonzo will be remembered for his rich legacy of service and love for his community, church, family, coworkers and friends. He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Carol Y. Toney; his sons: Lonnie Toney and Terrence Toney (Alexis) of Harvest, Alabama; his daughters : Sherry Chanrnel (Andre) , of Harvest, Alabama and Alicia Burgess (Dennis) of Huntsville, Alabama; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren; five sisters : Gladys Bransford (Paris) of Houston, Texas, Marvelene Freeman (David) of Triana, Alabama, Estelle Fletcher (Stan) of Madison, Alabama, Jeannie Ayers of Gadsden, Alabama, Judy Jones (Steve) of Anniston, Alabama, one honorary brother and best friend, David L. Freeman, as well as a host of loving nephews and nieces.