Taylor, Charles David

Charles David “Chuck” Taylor, our beloved friend, father, husband, and son, died peacefully in Charleston, South Carolina, on September 21, 2022, at the age of 76. Chuck fought a brave battle against a form of blood cancer, called Myelodysplastic syndromes.

Chuck is survived by his father, Charles; his wife, Cheryl; their children, Chip and Charlee; his five grandchildren, Walker, Charlie, and Enuka, Chip’s sons, Kelly Grey, Chip’s daughter, and Palmer, Charlee’s son. Chuck was preceded in death by some of his favorite people, including his mother, Anne Shelley Taylor and his grandmother, Eunice Mae Shelley.

Chuck was born on March 30, 1946, in Jackson, Tennessee. He loved Elvis music, sports, desserts, misbehaving at church, and remodeling houses and cars. His first car was a 1930 Ford Model A Coupe, and as recently as August 2022, he replaced the oil pan gasket on a purple Suzuki Samurai he was restoring. While he devoted his career to Radford University, serving as its athletic director from 1974-1996, his dedication to the Highlanders paled in comparison to his devotion to the importance of mentorship, loyalty, and leading by example. “Always enjoy life, don’t take yourself too seriously, and remember that 90% of the things you worry about don’t come true,” he advised.

Chuck lived his life protecting his friends and family, and his last request was “no drama.” His service will be a simple scattering of ashes by close family members at Snowville, Virginia, a place where Chuck escaped for tranquility and rest.

During his last months, Chuck’s life was improved because of the generosity of blood and platelet donors. If you are able, please consider making a donation to help someone like Chuck.