Obituaries » Donald Ray Taylor
Donald Ray Taylor
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.
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June I am sending all my love and prayers for you and Donald's family. You both hold a special place in my heart. I am so sorry for your loss. Donald was a very special, sweet, kind soul and I am so glad our paths crossed. You both hold a special place in my heart and I am so glad I was given the chance to take care of him. May God place his loving arms around you in your time of sorrow and grief. Love you, Nurse Judy
Posted by Judy Doss on January 16, 2023
We loved Donald (Bug) so much. He had such a sweet and tender heart and was so much fun. We really enjoyed the time we got spend with him and June. And June, you know how much we love you and cherish you. We are praying for you and the family.
Posted by Jeff and Cindy Capps on January 14, 2023
Pam,Stephanie, Andrea i am so sorry to hear about uncle bug all the childhood memories came flooding back when i got the call,,,,thinking about the get together times and how your dad would laugh out so much at all the dumb things we did,and picking at your mom....he may be gone from us but he will never be forgotten i love yall and you know it)))
Posted by dennis coffey on January 14, 2023
My PRAYERS and THOUGHTS are with you June and Family.He was such a sweet heart and loving cousin.
Posted by Sharon Godfrey South Carolina on January 13, 2023
We're going to miss our neighbor tremendously. Our condolences to June and the family.
Posted by Buddy and Hannah Vaughan on January 13, 2023
My heart absolutely just breaks for June, i love them so much, especially seeing her and Don together, such a sweet and loving couple and such an epic love story they shared together. Sending all my love and prayers
Posted by Ashley Bernard on January 13, 2023
My deepest sympathies and condolences to my cousins Pam, Stephanie, Andrea and your families. Your dad was an inspiration for me as a young child and I admired him greatly. May God grant you all comfort and peace at your time of sorrow and grief.
Posted by Bobby Charles on January 12, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Bugs passing. My Prayers go out to all the family.
Posted by Betty Tipton ( Garrett) on January 12, 2023
Sympathy to Bug's family. He was kind hearted and loved by everyone. Rest in peace my friend
Posted by May Clark Massie on January 12, 2023
I have known (Bug) for many years, such a wonderful, kind man, never heard him say a bad word about anyone. You will be missed my friend. Fly high with the angels.
Posted by Barbara Newman on January 12, 2023
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