Carlton R. Tobias, 81, left us on July 17, 2026, with his wife & family by his side. “Toby,” as we all knew him, was born August 29, 1944, in Washington, D.C., to Eddie Galvestor Tobias and Mildred Viola (Young) Tobias. He was the third oldest of thirteen children.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father and five siblings, namely Patricia Tobias, Gregory Tobias, Tawana Tobias, Cynthia Tobias, and Eddie Tobias Jr.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Nancy Tobias; two daughters, Tonya Smith (Stafford) and Tasha Humble (John); grandchildren, Bria Wilson, Brendon Tobias (Emily), Dante Wilson Jr, and Jaden Humble. He shared a special bond with his great-granddaughter, Lola Rae Tobias (Brendon). He also dearly loved his niece and Goddaughter, Caryn Gordy-Scott (Delroy), and nephew, Michael Gordy, Jr. He is survived by brothers Reginald Tobias (Mary), Gary Tobias (Constance), Michael Tobias (Jenny), and Vincent Tobias. He is also survived by sisters Sharen Philyan, Deborah Moore (William), and Sandra Lacey (Lacey). He is also survived by brother-in-law and chosen brother Michael Gordy Sr. (Lydia), as well as numerous nieces and nephews, relatives, friends, and acquaintances.

Toby attended primary school and secondary schools in Washington, D.C., and upon graduating high school in 1962, he volunteered for service in the United States Army. After basic training and Military Police School, his first assignment was First Army Headquarters on Governors Island, New York, where he also was a member of the AWOL Apprehension Team. He was transferred after two years to the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii and then further deployed to Korat, Thailand, in support of the war in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1965.

Upon returning home, he started employment with the United States Postal Service as a mail handler and later as a letter carrier. He also was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus.

In 1967, he met his future wife, Nancy, during a visit to Salisbury, Maryland. They were united in marriage in 1968 and lived in the Washington, D.C., area until 1975, when their love of the Eastern Shore brought them back to the area. He found employment at Dresser Wayne Corporation (Halliburton). In 1976, he became a University Police Officer at Salisbury University. He was a mentor to many students and was often someone whom they sought out for advice. He was a Course Leader for every incoming Freshman Class during the Algonquin Freshman Orientation Wilderness Program. The students affectionately referred to him as “Papa Smurf” due to his blue outdoor gear! They ventured to Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada. He remained there until his retirement in 1999.

While employed at the University, he was also a member of the United States Air Force Reserve as a member of the 512th Security Forces Squadron at Dover Air Force Base. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant after 20 years of service.

After his second retirement, he briefly worked at Walmart, but the water was calling him! His love of fishing always called him to the waterways of the Shore. He and his fishing buddies would fish from “sun-up” to “sun-down.” His love for fishing and vegetable gardening kept him happy for many years.

He also found joy in watching his team, the Washington Redskins (Commanders), play on TV and also at home games. He also found the greatest joy in watching his grandchildren grow into young adults. They loved his frequent and witty career advice like, “Don’t do dumb!” and “Remember, your replacement will do your job, if you can’t!” Oh, how he loved those kids!

He will be missed by his wife, family, and several friends and acquaintances, all who dearly loved him and his genuine personality and smile.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you light a candle in Carlton “Toby” Tobias’s honor and memory.