Williams Baptist College Gets $2.9M from Toney Estate

Clifford Toney

Williams Baptist College of Walnut Ridge said Tuesday it received $2.9 million from the estate of Jonesboro businessman Clifford Toney.  

Toney, who died last year at age 57, was a WBC alumnus. The donation is the largest in the liberal arts college’s history.

“Cliff Toney was a great friend to Williams Baptist College, and his generosity will continue to be an incredible blessing to Williams and its students well beyond his life,” WBC President Tom Jones said in a news release. “We are humbled and extremely grateful.”

Toney, a 1980 graduate of Williams, owned Toney Auctions. According to WBC, most of his estate involved personal property and real estate that has been sold at auction in recent months. Described as an “avid collector,” Toney left behind an array of cars, musical instruments, jewelry, coins and antiques. 

Jones said the Toney estate will help fund capital improvements at the college, including a new residence hall that will be completed this year. 

“Williams is expanding its academic programs and continuing to upgrade its facilities to meet the needs of our students,” he said. “Mr. Toney’s generosity is helping WBC take major steps forward as an institution.”

Founded in 1941, WBC is a four-year college with an average enrollment of 500 students.