Gary Lyons Toulson

Gary Lyons Toulson, 86 of Knoxville, TN passed away at his home on February 8, 2025 of pneumonia and complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Carole Hanafin Toulson. He leaves behind a legacy of grace, kindness, generosity, compassion, love and devotion to God, his family and friends. His memory will be cherished and he will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to have known him. Gary, born in Endicott, New York on December 23, 1938, was a PGA golf professional with an exemplary career which included the Tennessee PGA Section Distinguished Career Award; Tennessee PGA Golf Professional of the Year; Tennessee PGA Teacher of the Year; Golf Digest's Top Golf Teachers in America; Tennessee PGA Player of the Year; Tennessee PGA President; two-time winner of the Tennessee PGA Senior Championship; USGA Senior Open contestant; and Golf Professional Emeritus Cherokee Country Club, among many other tournament wins, honors, and achievements. The son of Helen Grace Scrafford and John Norman Toulson, Gary was introduced to golf at a very young age caddying for his only sibling, Robert, 12 years his senior. Tragedy struck when he was 5 years old when his father died of cancer. At age 7, he was stricken with Polio temporarily causing paralysis of his legs and extreme weakness of his arms, neck and spine. To support him in his rehabilitation, the assistant pro of Enjoie Golf Club took Gary under his wing, walking the golf course with him daily, teaching him chipping, putting and eventually swinging the club as he regained his strength, mobility and balance, while gaining knowledge and skill in the game of golf. In his adolescence, he attended Union-Endicott High School, Endicott, NY and the Bolles School in Jacksonville, FL where he lettered in both basketball and golf. He also won many tournaments including the New York State Junior Golf Championship. In high school, he was varsity captain and lettered in both golf and basketball at The Manlius Military and Preparatory School, Syracuse, New York where he graduated in 1957. He continued his military experience as a sergeant in the US Army, Special Forces during the Cold War where he intercepted critical intelligence and tactics from eastern Europe and Russia. Upon honorable discharge from the US Army in 1960, Gary attended the first PGA school in Clearwater, FL and became a class H apprentice to PGA professional Carroll Armstrong at Higby Hills Country Club in New Hartford, NY. In 1962, he moved with his wife, Carole and baby daughter, Alexis to Kingsport, TN as an assistant to Armstrong at Ridgefield Country Club. In Kingsport, his lovely daughter Suzie was born. In 1964, Gary, 23 years old, accepted the position of head professional at Green Meadow Country Club in Maryville, Tennessee where he established himself as an outstanding teacher early in his career. At age 26, Gary and his young family moved to Knoxville when he accepted the position of Head Golf Professional at Cherokee Country Club. Soon after, his son Christopher was born who spent his upbringing learning the game of golf from his Dad. At Cherokee, Gary quickly developed a progressive junior program, cultivating and strengthening the CCC golf program for many years to come. Several of his students including his son, Chris were awarded full collegiate golf scholarships. Many of students won collegiate, amateur and professional tournaments, while some became assistants to Gary and went on to become touring pros or head golf professionals themselves. Gary also greatly improved club golf operations with small, tight-knit staffs, hosting many tournaments for both members and the PGA. Over his 34 years at Cherokee, Gary gave thousands of golf lessons, positively influenced hundreds of players and their families, and fulfilled his promise to build an outstanding golf program at Cherokee that began with only a handshake. The Gary Toulson Pro-Am Invitational was initiated in 2023 to honor Gary in appreciation for his lifetime contributions, passion for golf, dedication, and strong work ethic. His many friends and family created the tournament which is also a fundraiser for those suffering from Parkinson’s disease. In 2006, Gary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Over the years, the disease became increasingly debilitating, preventing him from enjoying the fellowship and competitive spirit of his friends and playing the game he truly loved. What inspired Gary in his final years was the ability to help others suffering from Parkinson’s Disease by raising awareness and needed funds to support programs for patients and their caregivers. Gary is survived by his daughters Alexis Toulson of Knoxville, TN; Suzanne Toulson Donovan (Peter-deceased) of Boca Raton, FL; son Christopher Toulson (Shelley) of Chappaqua, NY; granddaughters Lauren Vargas (Pablo) of Miami, FL and Heather Toulson, New York, NY; nephew Doug Toulson, Delray Beach, FL. Holy Mass and a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 711 South Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to: PJ Parkinson’s Support: https://www.pjparkinsons.org/. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research: https://www.michaeljfox.org/.

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Gary Lyons Toulson

February 8, 2025