Ray Taylor

Ray, known to his North Carolina family as Pete, was born to Ollie Dan and Emma Taylor in 1938 in La Grange, North Carolina. He was the 9th of 11 brothers and sisters. Ray moved to Burlington, North Carolina upon graduation from high school. He went on to attend Alamance Community College specializing in accounting and business management. He served in the United States Army during the Cuban Crisis. It was during this time frame that Ray met and married Judy Richardson, and they begin their family life bringing two cherished daughters into this family. In 1976, the family moved to Jacksonville, Florida and it was here that Ray called home. In 1978, Ray met Robert Wilson, who would become his life partner and eventually his spouse. Together they enjoyed 46 years together, a rich full life spending time with friends and family, and enjoying many adventures while traveling to many parts of the United States and abroad.

Ray was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed college football, as well as spending many seasons in the stands rooting on the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ray had a quick wit and was always ready with a sassy come back. His humor lightened many a heart and he was truly always the life of any event he attended.

Ray was also known for his generous spirit. He was known to open his heart or his home to anyone in need. He was especially proud of creating the Taylor Memorial Scholarship Fund to assist high school graduates from his family’s church in North Carolina with college expenses. Ray positively impacted our lives and our communities wherever he resided.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, 9 brothers and sisters, special friend Jackie Cole, and his former spouse Judy Taylor. Ray’s spirit is carried on by his spouse Robert Wilson; his 2 daughters, Eve Zellner (Bob) and Suzanne Taylor (Paul); his very special grandson Kyle Findley; mother-in-law Doris Wilson; as well as countless friends nephews and nieces.

To honor Ray’s memory a service will be held at Chapel Hill Cemetery on Saint John's Bluff Road on July 11, 2024 with beginning with visitation at 10:30 a.m. and a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. His internment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Laney Road.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Taylor Memorial Scholarship Fund in Ray’s name: Bethel Fellowship Church, 1882 Hood Swamp Rd. La Grange, NC.