Taylor, Harry Harvey
(October 7, 1926 – January 29 2011) Harry Harvey Taylor, 84, of Blacksburg, formerly of Newport, passed into eternity on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at the VA Medical Center in Salem. He had endured a long illness.
Harry, was born October 7, 1926, the first son, and second of nine children of Berman Harvey Taylor, Sr. and Mayme Nicewander Taylor.
He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951, along with two brothers, Kermit and Frank. Harry and Frank were stationed together. Assigned to the 6127th Air Terminal Group, he served four years, the 3rd of which was in Korea. He was a Load Master and Drop Master, and received a Commendation from South Korea’s first President, Syngman Rhee. Harry was honorably discharged in 1955 with rank of Staff Sargent.
In 1959, Harry, his wife and two young children moved from Blacksburg to Newport to open Taylor’s General Store. Twenty years later he sold the store and was hired by Leggett of Blacksburg.
Harry was a member of Newport-Mt.Olivet United Methodist Church, serving on the Administrative Board, and was treasurer of the Newport Emergency Fund. He kept the Church building warm in the winter, and mowed the Village Green Park until his health failed. He was a life member of the Newport Volunteer Fire Department.
Harry was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, two sisters and two brothers-in-law, Mayme Sue T. Whitlock and husband, Ralph and Margaret T. Allen and husband, Ivan “Pete” Allen; four brothers and two sisters-in-law, Robert and wife, Elzie Lue, Berman H. Jr. and wife, Helen Sue, Addison T. Taylor and Sidney R. Taylor.
Harry is survived by his wife and “Sweetheart” of 61 years, Mary Foster Taylor; his son, Richard C. and daughter-in -law, Paula G. Wood Taylor; his daughter, Nancy T. and son-in-law, J. Wyatt Sasser; and his son, Craig F. and daughter-in-law, Debbie R. Taylor. Harry leaves behind two very special granddaughters, Emily T. Sowell and husband, Tim and Adrienne T. Webb and husband, Joshua; stepgranddaughters, Sherry Mosteller and husband, Matt and Amanda Bremner and husband, Eric; four great-grandchildren, Mathew, Morgan and Macy Sowell and Jewel Webb; four stepgreat-grandchildren, Hayden and Holleigh Mosteller and Jonah and Sophia Bremner, all of whom were much loved; he is also survived by two brothers and a sister-in-law, Frank Taylor, Bluefield, W.Va., and Kermit and Lorraine Taylor, Hilton Head, S.C.; two sisters-in-law, Beverly Taylor, Blacksburg, Lena Taylor, Richmond; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to express their thanks to the doctors, nurses and support staff of the VA Medical Center, especially those on 4J and 2-3 Palliative/Hospice Care Team. They provided absolutely exceptional care for him and compassion for our family.
Harry served his country, his community, and his family.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, SW, Blacksburg. Funeral services will be held in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Morris Bennett and the Rev. Morris Fleischer officiating. Burial will be immediately following the service in Newport Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers,
Memorial Gifts may be made to the General Fund at Newport-Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, c/o Gene Seago, 757 Bethel Church Road, New Castle, VA 24127.
Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.