Ernie and Carolyn Taylor

Mom and Dad embarked on a remarkable journey together that spanned over six decades. Their story was filled with laughter and good times with family as well as with their large circle of friends. We tried to capture many of those countless memories in this album.

Ernie, born Ernest Edward Taylor on Christmas Eve in 1936 in Newport News, Virginia possessed an indomitable spirit from an early age. He was the second of two children born to James Burrell Taylor and Ida Ophelia Harrell Taylor. He excelled in track and cross country during his time at Hampton High School and after graduation in 1955 pursued higher education at Wofford College. In 1958, Ernie ventured into the building supply industry, a field that would become his professional home for several decades. Known for his unwavering integrity and willingness to lend a helping hand, Ernie's presence left a lasting impact on all who knew him. His infectious wit and memorable one-liners brought laughter to those around him. He possessed a zest for life, finding joy in dancing with his beloved Carolyn, hosting pig picking parties, playing golf and bridge, spending time with his grandkids, and sharing his culinary creations with family and friends. Ernie's green thumb was evident in his meticulous manicured lawn, but it was his cherished fountain that held a special place in his heart.

Carolyn, born Jean Carolyn Todd on December 18, 1939, in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, brought her own radiance and warmth to their relationship. She was the second of five children born to James Albert Todd and Estelle Norwood Todd. As a 1958 graduate of Newport News High School, she embarked on a career in the medical field before dedicating 24 years of her life to the York County School Board. Carolyn's love for sports was evident through her passion for tennis and golf. She thrived in the company of friends during bridge games and parties and found fulfillment in being an active participant in her grandchildren's lives.

Mom and Dad's lives intertwined in a serendipitous meeting at Buckroe Beach on July 5, 1959. They later arranged a double date on October 23, 1959 to see a movie with their friends Janice Barnes and Dinky Blanks. After the movie, they went to the White Oaks Lodge, then Dinky's house to watch television. It wasn't long before they announced their engagement at the Stoneybrook Country Club at midnight on the following New Year’s Eve. They joined together in holy matrimony on August 6, 1960 at Orcutt Avenue Baptist Church in Newport News, Virginia.

Together, Mom and Dad shared a profound love that transcended time. They embarked on numerous adventures, creating lasting memories that would be etched in their hearts forever. From breathtaking vacations to Alaska, Bermuda, and a memorable New England cruise, to cherished family trips to the Outer Banks, they reveled in each other's company and embraced the wonders of the world together. A milestone in their love story was celebrated on their 50th anniversary, where they danced the night away surrounded by their family and friends.

Family was the couple's cornerstone, and they cherished every moment spent with their two children, Barry - born May 22, 1962, and Cathy - born September 16, 1965, and their four adored grandchildren - Preston, Tyler, Marcus, and Kyle.

On April 1, 2021, Ernie's battle with Alzheimer's came to an end, as he peacefully passed away at home surrounded by his family. The void left by his departure was felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him. On March 13, 2023, Carolyn joined Ernie in eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion.

Mom and Dad, two souls intertwined in love and mutual admiration, lived their lives rich with joy, adventure, and unwavering support for one another. Their commitment to family and dedication to each other serves as a shining example to us all. We miss you dearly Mom and Dad!

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Ernest Edward Taylor, known to all as Ernie, peacefully passed at home while surrounded by family on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at the age of 84.

Ernie was born in Newport News, Virginia on December 24, 1936 and spent most of his life as a resident of the Peninsula. He was a 1955 graduate of Hampton High School where he excelled in track and cross country. He then attended Wofford College.

Ernie started in the building supply industry in 1958 when a handshake meant your word. He began his career as a salesman with Moore's Super Store & he then joined Wimsatt Wholesale. Wimsatt was purchased by Boise Cascade and they promoted Ernie to branch manager of Raleigh Operations. When the facility closed, he returned to Virginia and began working for Addington Beamon Lumber Company. He then worked for Parkview Supply, Sheldon Lumber, and then joined the team at Custom Builder Supply where he retired in 2008. After retiring, he continued his love of working and helping others by working part-time for his son Barry part-time at Custom Vinyl Products through 2011.

Ernie was a man of strong integrity and will most be remembered for his willingness to help all who knew him. His quick wit made us all laugh, and his one liners were always memorable. He was full of life and enjoyed dancing with his bride, having pig picking parties, cooking and sharing his recipes, and working in the yard. He loved to look at and work on his fountain that he and his friends built. He loved to show pictures of when the fountain would freeze, and lots of good times and good pictures were taken "in" or around the fountain. He and his wife Carolyn were in bridge group for many years as well as the golf league at Williamsburg National.

Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, James Burrell Taylor and Ida Ophelia Harrell Taylor, and his sister-in law, Donna Lewis Taylor. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn Todd Taylor, children Barry (Lisa) Taylor and Cathy (Leo) King; He was Pa Pa to 4 adored grandchildren - Marcus & Kyle Taylor, Preston Gravitt, and Tyler King; his sibling Burrell Taylor.

Our family will cherish the memories that made our lives complete. Thank-you to the staff of both Saving Grace Home Care and Riverside Hospice for all their love and care.

A Memorial Service will be held at Nelson Funeral home. Online condolences for the family may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.

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Carolyn Todd Taylor peacefully passed away surrounded by family on March 13, 2023 at the age of 83.

Born Jean Carolyn Todd on December 18, 1939 in Edgecombe County, North Carolina to James Albert Todd and Estelle Norwood Todd, she spent most of her life as a resident of Yorktown and Williamsburg, Virginia. She was a 1958 graduate of Newport News High School.

Carolyn and Ernest Edward Taylor were married in 1960 and remained devoted to one another for 60 years before Ernie passed away in April of 2021. Carolyn & Ernie loved to shag dance and went on many memorable vacations to Alaska, Bermuda, the Grand Canyon, visits to other National Parks, a New England cruise, as well as golf and family trips to the Outer Banks. One of their favorite memories was their 50th anniversary party where they danced the night away with friends and family. Carolyn enjoyed playing bridge and was an avid tennis player and golfer.

Carolyn worked in the medical field before beginning work for the York County School Board where she retired in May of 1999 after twenty-four years of service. After retiring she continued working part-time as a bookkeeper for her son’s business Custom Vinyl Products.

Carolyn was devoted to her family and always wanted to be part of the activities of her grandchildren. Carolyn is survived by her two children, Barry (Lisa) Taylor of Williamsburg and Cathy (Leo) King of Yorktown; was MeMe to 4 adored grandchildren – Marcus & Kyle Taylor, Tyler King and Preston Gravitt; her sister, Brenda (Charles) Kruse of Yorktown; three brothers - Howard (Irma) Todd of Florida; Jimmy (and the late Kris) Todd of Alabama and David (Judy) of North Carolina.

A memorial service will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg, VA, Thursday, March 23 at 3:00 pm and will also be cast live online. Please share your condolences online to help us treasure the memories and stories of our mom.