US Army Retired E-7 Charles Eugene "Sarge" Toms, 65, was the husband of Kathye D. Mathis-Toms and son of Mrs. Bernice Boykins Toms and the late Clyde Toms.

"Sarge" was educated in Cleveland County School District graduating from Crest High School. After graduating, he relocated to Queens, New York. While in New York he was drafted into the US Army. He was stationed at Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, NC and completed 2 tours to Germany and earned several awards. While in Fayetteville, he completed some classes at Fayetteville Technical Institute. He then became a Recruiter and Florence, SC was his duty station. He became Top Recruiter of Battalion, "Swamp Fox", twice as well as other awards. It was there he met, his heartstring, "Shorty", Kathye Mathis. These two were best friends and partners. Sarge & Kat were married on May 18, 1989.

He served as Station Commander of Sumter Army Recruiting from 1988 - 1995 where he retired after 22 years.

He began a second career at Eaton Corp, Sumter. While there he made numerous friends and reacquainted with others from military.

The top award was on March 28, 2002 at the birth of their son, Alexander De'Yaunte Toms. Now it was 3 Toms, as they often would say.  Alex was his heart, often seen doing "father-son" trips, some local (games, shopping etc.), some long distance. 3 Toms enjoyed each other, traveling, cooking out, sitting outside on the porch/patio, playing checkers, playing cards ...and of course playing with "Miss Bu-Bu". He enjoyed family time with his wife and son.

After health issues for nearly 5 years he departed this life on Wednesday May 9, 2018 at Palmetto Health Tuomey.

He is remembered by his wife, Kathye and son, Alexander Toms of the home; his mother, Bernice Toms; sisters: Annette, Allison, Sheila, Phyllis & Gwendolyn all of Shelby, NC; mother-in-law, Essie Mathis of Belton, SC; brother-in-laws, Earl F. Mathis Jr. of Charlotte, NC and Jerry Whittington of Shelby, NC; close friends, Earl Hilton, Curtis Jackson, Oliver Peterson. "Sister-in-law" Hannah Gurley, and God-children, Darryl & Ilissa Cunningham; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death  by his father and brothers , David and Ray Toms of Shelby, NC.

Mr. Toms will be placed in the church on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 5pm for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral Services will be held 6pm on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at Salem Chapel & Heritage Center 101 S. Salem Avenue Sumter, SC, with Pastor D. L. Grant Officiating, Pastor Ezekiel Hampton, Eulogist, and Pastor Darryl Cunningham and Minister Pygatt assisting.

Interment will be held in Fort Jackson National Cemetery Columbia, SC on Friday, May 18, 2018 at 11am.

Family will receive friends at the home, 1319 Richwood Drive Sumter, SC 29153.