News Summary
Kristian Blaine “Buddy” Toler, a respected carpenter from Kitty Hawk, has passed away at the age of 55. Known for his craftsmanship and love for family, Buddy left behind a legacy in the Outer Banks community. He is remembered for his exceptional skills and the cherished relationships he built over the years. His passing marks a significant loss, and a memorial service was held to honor his life and contributions.
Kitty Hawk, North Carolina – Kristian Blaine “Buddy” Toler, a cherished local carpenter and dedicated family man, has passed away at the age of 55. Toler, a native of Dare County, died on June 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship and loving relationships with his family and friends.
Born on May 21, 1970, Buddy was the son of Linda and Sammy Moore and the late Blaine Toler. He was a prominent figure in his community, known for his exceptional skills as a carpenter. Throughout his life, he contributed to various projects, from building custom birdhouses with his nephew to constructing million-dollar oceanfront homes.
His work included numerous personal projects that reflected his character, such as creating new stairs for a childhood friend, a sturdy deck for his sister, and special projects for his mother, including a flower box and a custom shower. His craftsmanship was characterized by meticulous attention to detail, gaining him a reputation that resonated deeply within the Outer Banks community.
Buddy is remembered fondly by friends and family as a “tough guy with a heart of gold” who was often viewed as invincible. He maintained enduring friendships from his early years attending Kitty Hawk Elementary and Manteo High School, showcasing his loyalty and trustworthy nature.
Buddy’s family was an integral part of his life. He was a devoted son to his mother Linda and stepfather Sammy Moore, a loving brother to Phebe and Shannon, and a proud uncle to his niece and nephews. His family described him as their protector, particularly his sisters, and they held him in special regard, especially his mother, who affectionately considered him her “baby boy.”
In addition to his remarkable craftsmanship, Buddy was known for his mechanical skills. He had a passion for tinkering with anything that had a motor, enjoyed working with wood, and was often seen fixing cars and motorcycles. He delighted in simple pleasures, including spending time with family and friends while enjoying a cold Budweiser.
Buddy is survived by his mother, Linda, his stepfather, Sammy Moore, his big sister Phebe Toler James, and his little sister Shannon Toler Glaser, along with her husband Edward. He also leaves behind niece Peyton Cooper from New York City, nephew Flynn Cooper from Raleigh, and twin niece and nephew Emerson and Easton Glaser. His longstanding partner, Lori Herbin, is among the many who mourn his loss, as well as multiple aunts, uncles, step-siblings, and numerous cousins and close friends.
The family held a visitation on July 3 from 6 PM to 8 PM at Twiford Funeral Home in Manteo. A graveside memorial service was conducted on July 5 at 11 AM at Austin Cemetery in Kitty Hawk. The service was officiated by Pastor Jamie Smith and Rodney Perry, who helped honor Buddy’s life and legacy. Twiford Funeral Homes facilitated the arrangements for the services.
Those wishing to share condolences and memories of Buddy Toler can do so online at www.TwifordFH.com. His passing marks a significant loss to the community, who will remember him for his craftsmanship, loyalty, and the love he showed to all he encountered.
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Additional Resources
- The Coastland Times: Kristian Blaine “Buddy” Toler
- Wikipedia: Carpentry
- The Coastland Times: Memorial Service Details
- Google Search: Buddy Toler obituary
- The Coastland Times: Community Impact
- Google Scholar: Carpenter Skills
- The Coastland Times: Family Contributions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Carpentry
- The Coastland Times: Buddy’s Legacy
- Google News: Buddy Toler
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
