Toby Walter Polk
Toby Walter Polk, age 55, passed away unexpectedly April 29, 2025. He was born Dec. 15, 1969, in Dover, OH, and was the son to the late William (Bill) and Sandra (Sandy) Polk.
Toby graduated from Cardinal High School, in Middlefield, OH, in 1988. He attended Eastern Kentucky University and, after college, moved to Florida. He eventually settled in Knoxville, TN, where he raised his family and called home.
At the time of his passing, he was employed as a senior account manager in the financial services industry.
Toby’s legacy will live on in the lives of his family and friends.
He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Rebecca Cowan Polk, of Knoxville, TN; daughter, Audrey Polk (Esayas Mehretab), of Richmond, VA, and son and “wingman,” Cameron Polk, of Knoxville, TN. He leaves behind a brother, Tim Polk (Gio), of Santa Rosa, CA; sister, Tracy Maxfield (Tim), of Athens, TX; and stepmother, Nancy Polk, of Painesville, OH.
He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Billie Rhea Phillips, and father-n-law, Stephen Phillips, both of Knoxville, TN; and brother-in-law, Jay Cowan (Jena), of Philadelphia, PA. And, last but not least, his beloved dog, Midnight.
Toby was cherished by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and a nephew. When his nieces started having children of their own, he wanted to be called “Uncle Toby the Great.”
Toby had a personality bigger than life. Once you got past his gruff exterior, you’d find he had a heart bigger than most. He was the king of insults, one-liners and could remember a joke like no other. He didn’t do “warm and fuzzy;” instead, he was the most loyal, devoted and honest person you would ever find. If you were in his circle, you were in for life.
A celebration of Toby’s life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 2-4 p.m., at 205 Bridgewater Road, Knoxville, TN 37923. All who knew and loved Toby are welcome to join the family in honoring his memory and sharing stories. He will be forever missed, leaving a void that can never be filled.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory may do so by donating to the ALS Association, a cause close to his heart.
