Obituaries » Willie Ray Taylor
Willie Ray Taylor
Willie Ray Taylor of Lynchburg, Virginia departed this life and entered the gates of heaven on November 7, 2022. Willie Ray was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on September 30, 1947 to the late Willie E. Battle and Elizabeth Dew Taylor. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Arrington and Bettye Pryor. He is survived by his brother, Clyde R. Taylor, and his sister, Evette Battle.
Willie graduated from North Carolina Central University with his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1969, and shortly thereafter began his career as an educator in Lynchburg, Virginia at Linkhorne Middle School. He went on to teach Health and Physical Education at E.C. Glass High School where he later became the head men’s basketball coach. He also taught Physical Education at several elementary schools in Lynchburg including Dearington, Bedford Hills, Paul Munro and Kizer before retiring.
Willie retired from Lynchburg City schools after 28 years of dedication and service and went on to pastor Cornerstone Community Church where he served as the Senior Pastor for over 25 years. He found joy in developing others to identify and pursue the gifts that God has placed in them. He lived his life with a mission to share the love of God and serve others through teaching, discipling, and being an example of God’s love, extending grace and mercy toward all people.
He is survived by his loving wife, Minerva T. Taylor of 52 years; his three beautiful daughters Ivy Frank (Myran), Camie Cabler (Eric), and Brandy Taylor all of Lynchburg; he is also survived by a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
A celebration of life honoring Pastor Willie Ray Taylor will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Cornerstone Community Church in Lynchburg. Interment to follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 6pm to 8pm on Friday, November 18, 2022 at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Miriam’s House in Lynchburg, VA.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.
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To Mother Taylor, family and the Cornerstone Church family, I met the man of God through my brother and sister Asher and Rebecca Iqbal who were members of Cornerstone. They often spoke of their Pastor and his wife. The smile that Pastor Willie had throughout the video, is a genuine smile that I remember whenever I first me the man of God and the last time I saw the man of God. That smile comes from the sweet fellowship of having our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ abing on the inside. I'm sure he is forever smiling now that He is in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, "for to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord". I pray that you all recieve all if the grace that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has reserved during this time and in the days ahead. Love and bless you all, Mother Taylor and family and the Cornerstone Church family.
Posted by Minister Keith Farmer on November 19, 2022
I am Proud to say that I had a wonderful personal relationship with coach Taylor. I was a student at Linkhorne Jr. High school when he arrived and was a member of the JV football team, he coached his first year. We had an outstanding winning season! We were inspired and in awe of his vibrant personality, physical fitness, and his fraternity markings. He spoke to us like young men, Direct and Fatherly. Growing up in a single parent household I really appreciated him. More so now than back then. I find myself using his techniques to help mold my grandsons. There are many of my compadres who have spoken highly of him and how he inspired their better selves. Not just at his passing but anytime we get together and reminiscence about the good ole days & sports, his name always comes up. He was a good, decent man who made a difference in the lives of many. Well done faithful servant of God! On behalf of the Entire Payne family, Thank You Coach \"T\"
Posted by Cecil M Payne on November 16, 2022
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