Raymond Lester Taylor

Raymond Lester Taylor Sr transitioned from labor to reward peacefully on October 3, 2025, at his residence. He was only 81 years old. He accepted Christ at an early age at Calvary Baptist Church, Paterson, New Jersey.

He was born on December 21, 1943, in Paterson, New Jersey, to the late Julia and Sterling Taylor. He attended Paterson Public School and graduated from Eastside High School in 1961. Soon after high school, he joined the United States Air Force and became a transportation specialist. Raymond served his country for four years. He also served on the Paterson Police Force for four years.

In 1964, he met and married the love of his life, Willa Tutt. This union was blessed with two sons, Raymond Jr. and Eric. He loves his family and was an excellent provider. In 1974, the family relocated to Santa Ana, California. He worked and retired from Verizon. In 1993, the family moved to Mechanicsville, Virginia. He was employed and later retired from Comcast Cable Company.

Raymond is survived and will be missed by his loving wife of 61 years, Willa, and his sons, Raymond Jr. (Gail), Mechanicsville, Virginia, Eric (Eunice), Corona, California, and two granddaughters, EllaGrace and Emmerie Rae.

His memory lives with a host of nieces and nephews too numerous to mention, and long-time family friends Juan and Nelly Piniella and family, Ethel Williams and Donna Brown.

His legacy will carry on forever, reminding us that we control our attitudes. We choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service, like Christ modeled for us.

There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to all the Hospice nurses at James River Hospice. A heartfelt thank you to the St Mary's Heart team.

Relatives and friends are invited to Raymond's visitation at Nelsen Funeral Home, 412 S. Washington Hwy., Ashland, VA, on Monday, October 20th, from 5-7 PM, and a Celebration of Raymond's Life will be held on Tuesday, October 21st, at 11 AM in the Nelsen Funeral Home Chapel. Please join the family in the reception hall for fellowship following the service.

Interment will be private at Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia.