Clifton "Toby" Edney Erwin, Jr.

May 30, 1950 – April 18, 2025

Clifton Edney Erwin, Jr. was born to Clifton and Margaret Erwin in Pass Christian, MS on May 30, 1950. He passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025 at Dunbar Village Nursing Home. Toby loved growing up in Pass Christian and his friends from his early youth were his friends for life. If you called him “Clifton”, it was a sure tell that you had never met him before. Those who knew and loved him always called him “Toby.”

Toby graduated from Pass Christian High School and Mississippi State University. After graduating from MSU, Toby was employed by the FDIC as a bank examiner.

But Toby’s dream was always to open a bar on the beach in the Pass. Following in the footsteps of his deceased grandfather, Benny French, he finally did open a popular Pass Christian night spot, Toby’s Harbor Hide Away. He gained local notoriety as “The Singing Bartender” as he entertained his patrons, singing and acting along with the songs that played on what many considered to be the best juke box on the coast. Even during his residency at Dunbar Village, he continued to entertain his fellow residents as he belted out the most popular songs from his jukebox. You could hear him singing down the hallway and you knew it was show time!

Toby had limited computer skills, but he discovered that he had an aptitude for teaching the English language to people in foreign countries over the internet. He often adjusted his sleeping habits to accommodate his “students” across the globe.

Over the years, Toby made time to visit Ireland, England and much of Europe. His favorite adventure was his trip to China, where he roamed the country, meeting and staying with former students and local families there. Over the years, many students came to the U.S. to visit him and they remained friends until he died.

He was a kind, big-hearted, gentle person who could make you laugh without trying. And bringing happiness to others always made him happy too.

Toby was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton and Margaret Erwin, his brother, James E. Erwin II, and his sister, Patricia E. Terrell. He is survived by his much-loved daughter, Porsha Moore Glover (Deonta), his granddaughter, Brooklyn, and his grandson, King. He is also survived by his sister, Gaynel Youra, and his brother, John “Jake” Erwin.

Toby is also survived by his nieces: Lisa Gerhold, Donna Reid, Julie Terrell, Tracy Hall, Jackie Erwin and Hannah Oliver. He is survived by his nephews: Nathan Greise, Nicholas Greise, Jason Erwin, Jimmy Erwin, John Erwin and David Beck.

The family wishes to thank staff and residents of Dunbar Village Nursing Home in Bay St. Louis for the kindness shown to Toby over the past ten months.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 29, from 1:00 until 2:00 PM at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach. The Prayer Service will follow at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel Toby will then be laid to rest at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Pass Christian.

Please sign the online guestbook, and share memories & photos at www.riemannfamily.com