Obituary: Donald Sidney Taylor

It is with great sadness that the family of Donald Sidney “Don” Taylor announces his passing Oct. 25, 2018, following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. A New Year's baby born in 1931, Don was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Nellie Taylor.

Don leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Caroline Crowell Taylor; four siblings, Anne Lance, Edward Taylor, Peggy Pressley, Barbara Welch; four sons, Sid, Matt (Lori), Jim, Ben (Joe); six grandchildren, Genna Lute, Clay Taylor, Emily Best, Sarah Taylor, Alex Taylor, Preston Taylor; one great-granddaughter, Caroline Best; and countless friends.

A stranger to no one, Don moved to Gotha, Florida, with his young family in 1959 to work at Martin Marietta Corp., where he retired after 24 years of service.

Don was active in both his church (Ocoee United Methodist Church) and his community, especially the Gotha Chamber of Commerce, where he was often referred to as the Mayor of Gotha.

Don served for four years as a trustee on the Board of Directors of West Orange Memorial Hospital (now Health Central Hospital) in the late 1970s. In 2003, Don and Caroline retired to the small town of Cruso, North Carolina, their home state, where he continued to serve others through the Cruso United Methodist Church and Meals on Wheels.

Don will be fondly remembered for his loving, friendly and helpful nature; his love for fishing, hiking and stewardship to nature in the world; his love for his wife and family; and his kind, warm and giving smile.  

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, at the Cruso United Methodist Church at 11653 Cruso Road, Canton, NC 28716. Refreshments and a time to visit with family and friends will follow directly after the service.