Taylor, Cecil “Gene”
Cecil “Gene” Taylor, 76, of Christiansburg, VA, formerly from Starnes Bluff, VA, passed peacefully into eternity Wednesday, December 15, 2020.
He was the youngest of 7 siblings, born to Anna Ruth (Sparks) Taylor and Henry Vernord Taylor in Starnes Bluff, VA. They preceded him in death, along with his 2 brothers and sister; Henry Emerson Taylor, John Franklin Taylor and Juanita June (Taylor) Hixon. Gene was also preceded in death by a precious great-grandchild Charlee Mayne Sharlow
Gene is survived by his adoring wife, Barbara Ann (Whetsel) Taylor of 55 amazing years. Gene and Barbara Taylor spent most of their lives working, as owners of the Dairy Queen, formerly in Blacksburg. They brightened and touched so many lives through employment, friendship and phenomenal customer care for over 3 decades.
Gene is survived by; 3 Sisters, Bernice Jones, Florence Francisco and Kate Whetsel. He is also survived by his 3 children and their spouses; Emily Taylor Brooks (Ben), Jason “Brad” Taylor (Kari) and Amy Taylor Rhodes (Lee). He was an adored Papaw to 11 grandchildren; Courtney Johnson, Ethan Rutherford, Brandon & Miranda Taylor, Kaylee & Matthew Rose, Cloe Taylor, Bryan Taylor, Matthieu & Chelsea Sharlow, Ryan & Victoria Sharlow, Cassandra Sharlow, Samuel “Cody” & Marianna Rhodes and Santanna Rhodes. 8 great-grandchildren were also blessed to call him Papaw; Cecilla Johnson, Avery Bonds, Brysen and Brooks Taylor, Dakotah Sharlow, Micah, Braxton & Addilyn Sharlow, Elizabeth Dae Barker and Memphys Rayne Rhodes. There is also an enormous amount of the grandkid’s friends and previous young employees who called Gene Taylor, “Papaw” as well; those were family by love.
Funeral arrangements will be as follows: Funeral Services will be conducted Monday, December 21, 2020 at 1:00 pm in McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mike Vest officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Monday from 12-1 pm. Due to Covid-19 restrictions masks and social distancing will be required.
Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.
December 17, 2020 @ 9:42 am
Gene will be missed by so many. Anyone who worked at Dairy Queen on Route 460 knew how fun-loving and kind he was. He and Barbara were the dynamic duo. And it was always a fun place to work, especially with Gene. He loved to make you laugh by cracking jokes, and always had a smile on his face.
Before he committed his time fully to the Dairy Queen business, he ran his own car lot. After weeks of convincing me that I could do it, he sold me my first “grown up” car. He knew what I was driving was sub-par, and I was pregnant, so it really bothered him. I know that he had to pull some strings in order to help me out, but he would’ve never admitted that to me.
He was an incredible man who did so much for so many–in his own quiet way. I will never forget him or the opportunities he (and Barbara) opened up for me. You don’t realize until later in life just how much certain people helped shape the person you are.
I love you Barbara, Emily, Brad and Amy.
With deepest sympathy as you remember Gene,
Amanda (and Steve) Gland