Donald Ray “Bug” Taylor, 84, of Forest passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2023. He was born in Big Island, VA on March 13, 1938. A son of the late Garrett Elmer Taylor and Kathleen Edith Carter Taylor. In addition to his parents Bug was preceded in death by his first wife of 32 years, Norma Markham Taylor; two children, Bonnie Sue Taylor and Donald Ray Taylor, Jr. and his son-in-law, Randie Goff.
Bug was a simple, kind but humble man. One who’s laughter filled rooms and was always so contagious. A longtime member of Hunting Creek Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon and sang in the choir. After graduating from high school Bug joined the United States Air Force and served his country for four and half years. He had a strong work ethic, after returning home from service Bug worked for Georgia Pacific for 41 years as an Electrical Instrumentation Technician before retiring. He was a charter member of the Big Island Rescue Squad, 1013 Big Island Federal Credit Union, also the Big Island Hunt Club. He also enjoyed spending time in the outdoors while hunting, fishing, trips to the beach, time in the mountains and riding his motorcycle in past years. He recently had attended Forest United Methodist Church.
Bug was survived by his current wife of 29 years, June Maddox Taylor; three daughters, Pamela Vess and her husband, Russell, Stephanie Breedlove and her husband, (Tim) and Andrea Taylor-Goff; five grandchildren, Ashley Coleman and her husband, Jason, Russ Vess, Lindsey Campbell and her husband, Tim, Landon Breedlove and Jenna Goff; five great-grandchildren, Gracie Coleman, Konner Coleman, Archer Campbell, Walker Campbell and Wylder Campbell; sister, Shirley Goodbar and her husband, Johnny. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and so many friends.
A funeral service and celebration of Bug’s life will be conducted at 1:00pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg with Rev. Ken Bledsoe officiating. Burial will follow at Hunting Creek Baptist Church Cemetery and a reception will be held following the graveside in the church fellowship hall. To send condolences online please visit tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.