Van Ralph Taylor

Van Ralph Taylor of High Point, NC, passed away peacefully on August 22nd, after a courageous battle with cancer. Van was born September 20, 1924 to Leamon Lawrence and Mamie Taylor Taylor who preceded him in death, as did his sister Hattie Taylor Fryar. Following the death of his father and mother, he lived with his uncle and aunt, Van Gilbert Taylor and his wife, Dorothy Dixon Taylor in Everetts, NC.

After graduating from Robersonville High School, he attended Mars Hill and Davidson Colleges. From July 1943 to November 1945 he served in the United States 8th Air Force in the European Theatre, where his flight crew completed twenty five bombing missions. He was awarded the Air Medal and four clusters for his service.

Following his discharge, he attended Hardbarger Business College. He and his uncle operated the The Taylor Dairy until it was sold to the Maola Company.

From 1954 until his retirement in 1989, he was a Field Auditor and Tax Auditor for the NC Employment Security Commission. He was stationed in Reidsville from 1961 to 1965, Roanoke Rapids from 1965 to 1971 until returning to Williamston.

He was an active member of the Memorial Baptist Church where he served for a number of years as Treasurer. He was a valued member of the Lions Club which he served as President and many years on the Board of Directors. He maintained membership in the SEANC and the Eighth Air Force Association.

He was married on May 22, 1951 to Mildred Thomas Taylor who preceded him in death. He is survived by his son, Greg Taylor, MD of Jamestown, NC and his wife Cathy, grandchildren Justin Taylor of Seattle, WA and Jessica Taylor of Raleigh, NC, and many devoted nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00AM Saturday, August 25th at Martin Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Memorial Baptist Church, or High Point Regional Health System Foundation.