Tolbert, James Franklin
It is with our hearts full of gratitude and sorrow that we announce the passing of James “Rooster” Franklin Tolbert, at his home in Dublin VA. A fixture of Pulaski County, with a towering stature that was only matched by his heart and devotion, Rooster Tolbert, age 91, has found his final resting peace being welcomed into Heaven’s Pearly Gates under the Eternal Security of our Lord on – Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Born on May 16, 1935, at the home of his late parents, James Albert and Beulah Mabry Tolbert, Rooster, as everyone knew him, was a life-long dedicated employee of Pulaski County. He began his employment in 1953 as a school bus driver and mechanic while still a student attending Dublin High School. After working for the Pulaski County School Board full-time for over 23 years, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department approached and recruited Rooster to join the Sheriff’s Department as a deputy. He started almost immediately and began working – first, as a patrolman, and then, utilizing his skills and knowledge of the County, as the Civil Servant Processor on behalf of the Sheriff’s department and the Pulaski County Courts. Rooster’s unique knowledge of the area and his warm, personable demeanor helped him excel at his position and helped him earn the rank of sergeant. Even when Rooster was not on duty, many people would call and ask Rooster about directions to locate an address – he knew practically every road in Pulaski County. Rooster’s many tasks were not limited to his delivering Civil papers; he worked many Friday nights as security and traffic at Pulaski County football games (and other events at PCHS). His towering presence was seen at the Pulaski County Motor Speedway Racetrack, the Pulaski County Municipal Courts, and escorting Prisoner transfers.
Upon retiring from the Sheriff’s Department after 20 years, Rooster did not remain idle. He provided security at Pulaski County High School for a decade; and then, returned to his original Pulaski County employment as a bus driver for the Pulaski County School Board. When Rooster finally called it a career, he had faithfully served Pulaski County in many different positions for over 60 years. Rooster’s dedication to the community was not only to serve and protect; he also helped others in many ways – including as a Red Cross Blood Donor. He donated 10 gallons of blood to help others. He was a self-less man who truly wanted to help others.
Among the many hobbies and interests Rooster participated in, he was an avid Classic Car enthusiast. He and his brother, Wayne Tolbert, would compete in many classic car shows. Rooster’s beloved 1967 Dodge Coronet won him over 40 trophies and provided him with immense enjoyment and pride. He felt honored and enjoyed driving his Classic Dodge in numerous County Christmas and Town parades, showcasing its award-winning beauty.
Rooster was preceded in death by his parents, James and Beulah Tolbert of Dublin; his loving wife of 40 years, Virginia McPeak Lyons Tolbert; daughter, Jean Michele Miller of Archdale NC; grandson, Jonathon L Scullin; and sister, Dorris Tolbert Anderson of Dublin.
Rooster leaves behind many family members who loved and cherished him – his 6 children: Glenda Lyons of Pulaski; Tommy Lyons (Pam) of Fairlawn; Barry Tolbert (Mark Capps) of North Carolina; Sandy Scullin (Dennis) of Atlanta GA; Andy Lyons of Dublin; and Jamie Tolbert (Kristie Perkins) of Dublin; his 9 grandchildren: Stephanie N Crawford of Roanoke; Sarah Terry (Anthony) of Pulaski; Andrea Meadows (Clinton) of Pulaski; Katie Thomas (Hunter) of Christiansburg; Jessica Isley (Justin Ayscue) of Archdale NC; Jacob Flannery (Kelly) of Archdale NC; Amber Roach (Austin Fouts) of High Point NC; Dennis Scullin III of Austin TX; and Michael Scullin of Charleston SC. Rooster is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren; his 4 sisters: Betty Ann Williams of Greenville SC; Mary Jane Ratcliffe of Montvale VA; Evelyn Handy (Harold) of Dublin; Marie Billings (Ronnie) of Dublin and his brother: Wayne Tolbert of Dublin; Rooster’s sister-in-law, Frances Shockney of Savage MD; his aunt Lula Mabry Lawson of Hillsville and many nieces, nephews, and special friends and neighbors.
While being a loyal citizen of Pulaski County, Rooster was first and foremost a wonderful and loving family man, friend, and neighbor. He led a full life and made contributions to everyone he knew.
Rooster was extremely loved and he will be missed and remembered by many.
Services will be 11:00 AM – Friday, June 26, 2026 at the Bower Funeral Home – Chapel, Pulaski VA with Pastor Bill Neely of the Newbern Community Christian Church. Burial will follow at Newbern Community Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM – Thursday evening June 25, 2026 at the Bower Funeral Home – 1631 Bobwhite Blvd., Pulaski.
To sign Rooster’s online guestbook, visit www.bowerfuneralhome.com – Bower Funeral Home & Crematory, Pulaski is handling the arrangements for the family.
