Gilbert "Tommy" Taylor

Gilbert Powell “Tommy” Taylor, 85, a retired farmer and businessman of Oak City died Tuesday January 13, 2015 after several months of declining health. The son of the late Robert Eli and Ida Elizabeth Powell Taylor, he was born near Gold Point in Martin County on March 25, 1929. At an early age he was nicknamed “Tommy” by a family friend and became known by that name the rest of his life. He was a graduate of Robersonville High School and a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served in the NC National Guard and US Army.

On May 31, 1952 he was married to Carolyn Jean Whaley of Rose Hill who survives. Active in the civic affairs of his community for many years, he was also an avid sportsman. He enjoyed hunting and golf, but especially delighted in supporting ECU Pirate athletics. On his 80th birthday, he took pride in throwing the first pitch at an ECU baseball game. .He was a member of the Oak City Christian Church, having served as a deacon, board member and president of the Christian Men’s Fellowship.

Surviving in addition to his wife are a son Michael Gilbert Taylor of Cary, a daughter Beth Taylor Nichols and husband Danny of Greenville, granddaughter Taylor Nichols Herendeen and husband Philip of Greenville, great granddaughter Danna Grace Herendeen; sisters Sonja Griffin of Washington, and Diane Boone and husband Merlin of Shallotte; brother-in-law Paul Harris of Robersonville. He was predeceased by sisters: Ruth Muriel Parker, Betty Lou Young, and Barbara Harris.

Funeral service will be at 2:30 PM Friday at Oak City Christian Church 310 Commerce St in Oak City NC. Visitation will be at the church Thursday evening from 6:30-8:00 PM and other times at the home 311 Pine Street in Oak City. Interment will be at Martin Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to the Oak City Christian Church PO Box 9, Oak City NC 27857 or to a charity of one’s choice.