Henry James Taylor: Tabor City

1941 – 2024

     Henry James Taylor of Tabor City died Tuesday, Aug. 27, in the McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence. He was 83.

     Born Jan., 11, 1941 in Columbus County, he was the son of the late Harley James Taylor and Helen Singletary Taylor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Long Taylor; and one sister, Sue Taylor Lay.

     He was a veteran of the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1963 where he served as a F104 Starfighter aircraft mechanic during the Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Berlin Wall Crisis, Kennedy Assassination, and Vietnam.

     Papa Henry was a hard worker with 50 plus years in HVAC, very opinionated and an avid collector of guns and knives.

     He is survived by one son, Cameron Shayne Taylor and his wife April Edwards Taylor of Garner; two grandchildren, Kamryn Shaye Taylor and James Thomas Taylor; and two sisters, Ruby Taylor Shelley and Peggy Taylor Smith.

     Papa Henry was very proud of his son’s family and grandchildren and was very blessed to have Linda Jacobs as a very loyal and faithful friend.

     Also known as the “Candy Man”, Papa Henry, loved to hand out candy.

     Funeral services were planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, in New Life Baptist Church, burial following in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

     Visitation was planned for the hour preceding services in the church.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital here or Gideons International here.

     Sign a guest register here.