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Isaac Willoughby Taylor, 92, passed away in Wallace, NC, on July 2, 2024 at 5:39 pm with his family at his side.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mildred Swinson Taylor, his parents Fountain and Dolly Taylor, his brother Fountain Taylor Jr., and his sisters Mavis Taylor Brown and Vivian Taylor Turnage.

Mr. Taylor is survived by his loving children: Sharon Kay Taylor of Richlands, NC, Randall Isaac Taylor (Gail) of LaGrange, NC, and Thomas Willoughby Taylor (Jevlyn) of Richlands; and by his sister, Miriam Virginia Taylor Bailey, of Newland, NC.

He was an adoring "Papa" to his eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and found joy in the little ones whether he was bouncing them on his knee and making faces at them, or talking to them on Zoom or Facetime.  His grandchildren include: Jessie West Herring of La Grange, Dana Bryan Mortenson (Chris) of San Diego CA, Erica Weston of Richlands, Randi Stroud (Zack) of Pikeville, NC, Tanner Taylor (Julie) of Kinston, NC, Hunter Weston (Kaitlyn) of Richlands, and Hailey and Jackson Taylor of Richlands.  His great-grands include: Chase and Jonah Herring of La Grange, Seth Leeson of Richlands, and Avery and Blake Mortenson of San Diego.
Isaac Willoughby Taylor was born October 7, 1931, to Fountain Taylor Sr. and Dolly Thompson Taylor, near Richlands, NC.
He lived a life of faith, service and kindness.

He married Mildred Swinson on May 21, 1954, and they were devoted to each other for 68 years.  They talked together each night and never failed to kiss each other goodnight.  They loved each other deeply.  He always said she was a great cook - which worked out well because he loved eating great food – collards, potatoes, okra, cornbread, fried chicken, and anything chocolate.  Anyone who knew him knows he also loved Diet Pepsis, Nabs and oatmeal cakes.

Church remained important to Wib Taylor throughout his life.  When his own children were born, he and his wife Mildred took them to church each Sunday, giving them the same foundation of faith they enjoyed.
He served on Whaley Chapel's Building Committee for many years, participating in numerous construction projects.  Whether building or advising, he was always happy to help.  In fact, he'd help anyone do any project he was asked to do, no matter how easy or difficult.
A farmer by both profession and nature, he loved the rhythm of the seasons, and seeing the flow of the earth along the curve of his plow or disc.  He took pride in his work and provided for his family by farming his entire life, raising tobacco, soybeans, hogs and cows.

He and Mildred worked alongside each other as did their three children and many relatives through the farming seasons.  There were tough years in farming, of course, but the Good Lord always made a way.
In addition to farming, music was part of Wib Taylor's heritage and one of his many gifts.  He loved singing in the church choir, sharing his beautiful soprano voice as he sang the old hymns he loved so well.  His daughter Sharon says it was never hard to find him around the house:  They just listened for his singing, whistling or humming while he was working on a piece of equipment, or just strolling around the yard.

He enjoyed going places and meeting people, whether he was headed to the North Carolina mountains or to Germany in service to his country.  He greeted everyone with a smile and enjoyed talking to whoever was in the room.  If you didn't know him when you walked in, you knew him when you walked out.

He was a wonderful storyteller who could entertain family and friends for hours as he talked about his escapades growing up: working in tobacco, getting into trouble with his brothers and sisters, and serving in the Army from 1954 to 1963.
Mr. Taylor also served his community and his profession as an elected member of the U. S. Department of Agriculture-Farm Service Agency in Onslow County, a position he held for many years.  He was always recognized for his fair and honorable decisions there.
His cheerful personality was infectious.  He loved being around family and friends, including those in his own close-knit farming community and in Wallace Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Wallace, NC.

Isaac Willoughby Taylor lived his life well.  He taught by example, rarely lecturing but asking his children to do the right thing.  He was honest and kind.  He was a man of family and faith, and he wasn't afraid of hard work.  He was well loved, and his rich voice, warmth and steady nature will be deeply missed by many.  But we have the comfort of knowing the Good Lord has made a way for him once again, and we share his faith that we will be reunited one day soon.

Funeral Service;

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

7:00 PM

Followed by visitation

Community Funeral Home, Beulaville, NC

Graveside Service:

Thursday, July 11, 2024

1:00 PM

Onslow Memorial Park, Jacksonville, NC

Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Taylor family.