John Spencer Tolbert, Jr.

John Spencer Tolbert, Jr. “Johnny”, 81, of Gladys, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at his residence.
Born on March 30, 1944, in Campbell County, he was the son of the late John S. Tolbert, Sr. and Clara R. Tolbert. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Alice Tolbert Evans; a niece, Angie Evans Bane; and a son, Danny Mikels.

Johnny graduated from Rustburg High School in 1962 and attended Lynchburg College. He was a farmer, worked at BWXT and also worked as a corrections officer.

He is survived by his sister, Catherine Clay; nephew, Jeff Evans and Kevin Clay; four great nephews, Chris, Matt, Brevan, and Julian; and his lifetime partner, Charlotte Wright Mikels. They met in October 1979 and her three children became his along with five grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren who called him “Papa Johnny”.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at New Bethel Church, 5854 Nowlins Mill Rd, Gladys, VA 24554. Interment will immediately follow the service at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery, 5662 Red House Rd, Rustburg, VA 24588.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, starting at 11:00 a.m., at New Bethel Church.