By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO
Many from the Baltimore region and beyond attended the funeral services for Dr. Timothy Lamar Tooten Sr. on Feb. 14 and 15 at Central Christian, located in the 7400 block of Rossville Blvd.
On Feb. 14, Central Christian held visitation from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Visitation continued on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., with funeral services beginning at 11a.m.
When the announcement of Baltimore icon Tim Tooten’s death became public on Feb. 8, family, friends and fans immediately released a flood of condolences, prayers and expressions of fond memories of the reporter who had entered the homes of Marylanders for 35 years with education news.
Tim Tooten was just 66 years old at the time of his death. Born in 1958, he retired from WBAL-TV-11 in 2023. As a result of his hard work, Tooten will forever be honored and remembered by his colleagues and the community for outstanding service as Baltimore’s only full-time television education reporter.
“Tim was an admired journalist, distinguished pastor, accomplished writer, documentary filmmaker, teacher to so many. We will miss you my friend,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D- Md.- District 7), in his tribute to Tooten.
On days of inclement weather, area students and their families had become accustomed to crowding around their television sets to wait for his report as to whether they should be off-to-school or not.
Over the years, Tooten accumulated one of the largest collections of caps from schools around the state, which he wore on the air as he recognized them. Many of them appeared in the station’s studios with him as he recognized their academic achievements.
Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott called Tooten an icon and a legend.
“He was an incredible reporter and an even greater man,” said Scott. “We are grateful to have had him. Peace and blessings to his family and may his legacy live on forever.”
Tooten’s colleagues at both WBAL-TV and radio took to the airways to express their sadness following his death and the joy they experienced having known him.
Mindy Basar, a longtime reporter at WBAL, said in a social media post, “Everyday he would give me a hug. I could feel the love and it always made me happy. He called me ‘sister’ and I called him ‘Dr. Love-’ because that’s what he means to me…pure love. I know he’s watching over us and sending us all hugs from heaven.”
Tim Tooten began his career in journalism as a disc jockey in his hometown, Live Oak, Florida while in high school, He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, from Florida State University. He earned his doctorate degree in Ministry from Virginia University of Lynchburg. He founded Harvest Christian Ministries in Baltimore Country where he served as its pastor until his death.
Tooten leaves behind his wife of 40 years Charlene Tooten, children, Fallon Cuthrell, Taren Tooten and Timothy Tooten Jr. and host of other family members including grandchildren.
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