Richard W. Taylor

Richard W. Taylor passed away quietly on Monday, Feb. 3, 2014, at Pineville Medical Center. Dick, as known to all his friends, was a generous man, a loving father and devoted husband to his wife of 53 years, June Flanagan Taylor. He will be remembered as an honorable man, who lived a prosperous and adventurous life, with humility, grace and humor.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in January of 1939, Dick was the youngest of four boys to his parents, Robert Willey Taylor and Jane Margaret Roe. In his youth, he shared many mischievous adventures with his three older brothers, Robert, Stephen, and Walter. In 1952, the family moved to Gainesville, where Dick attended Gainesville High School. He was elected Class President every year and Student Body President his senior year in 1957.
Dick earned a full tuition scholarship to Emory University, and joined the Chi Phi Fraternity, becoming a secretary, treasurer and eventually president. Upon graduation in 1961, he married June in Gainesville before moving to Marietta where they started their family of three children. Dick enjoyed a fast-tracked career at Lockheed; one that propelled Dick to the position of Elected Corporate Vice President by the time he was 37, one of the youngest VPs to ever gain that post. In 1971, following a career move to the corporate headquarters of Lockheed, Dick and June moved the family to La Cañada-Flintridge, Calif. For the next 20 years, Dick made a wonderful life for his family, whether sailing the Pacific or enjoying their beach home in El Morro Bay.
Dick and June retired to Beaufort, S.C. Their home, known as Parkers Ferry Plantation, was a Southern retreat for friends and family. Always an avid golfer, Dick became a member of the Callawassie Island Golf Club. He was an active leader with the Open Land Trust, preserving the wildlife and farmland he so loved.
In 2001, Dick and June moved to Marvin, N.C., to be closer to family. Dick became a member of the Firethorne Country Club, where he and June made dear friends. Over the past year, Dick dedicated himself to June's care as she was ending her fight with cancer. Always her protector, Dick saw her through the storm and passed away just three months later.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, June; his brother, Stephen A. Taylor; sisters-in-law, Nancy Glaze Taylor and Joan C. Taylor; and nephews, David Taylor and Rob Lothridge.
Dick is survived by his children, Victoria Lawton, Valerie Smith and Richard Taylor; son-in-law, Mark Smith; grandchildren, Amanda Lawton, Hayden Smith, Serena Smith; brothers, Robert R. Taylor and Walter H. Taylor; sisters-in-law, Gail Taylor, Mary Taylor, and Patsy F. Lothridge; and all the nieces; and nephews that Dick loved and supported.
A private service is being held by the family on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, with a drop-by memorial remembrance at the family house starting at 2 p.m. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, or a charity of your choice in Dick's name.
Heritage Funeral Home, Matthews, N.C.