Walter Coolidge Taylor, 92, passed from this life into his eternal life on Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at his home, surrounded by family. Walter was born August 23, 1927 to Nanny (Lyons) and George Washington Taylor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Juanita (Whitehead) Taylor; seven brothers and sisters, Herman, Delmer, Emmert, Eugene, Florence, Corinne and Clarence, as well as nine older half brothers and sisters.
Walter served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947 as a military policeman and was stationed at Tachikawa AFB in Japan. He retired from North American Rayon Corporation after 42 years of service. He was a kind, gentle and generous man who never complained about anything. He enjoyed gardening and working in his yard for as long as he was able. He also enjoyed watching the birds at his feeder.
Those left to cherish his memory are daughters, Marlene (Richard) Good and Donna (Dan) Schumaier, and two grandsons, John (Ketasha) Goodwin and Jordan Grindstaff, who faithfully cared for his Pappaw for the past few months. Walter is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Graham, Gracen and Gretchen Goodwin, and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to Jordan Grindstaff, his primary caregiver; Ada Chizmar; Debra Broyles; Ballad Health Hospice, especially Greg Matney, RN; Torainna Hensley, CAN — his special friend who he loved to hear sing for him; Candace; Robbie; and Anna, his chaplain who also sang for him. Thanks also to Providence Companion Care, especially Chelseigh and Sandra, for their care during his last days, and to Dr. David Moulton, who took good care of him for many years.
A graveside burial service was held at Happy Valley Memorial Park on Saturday, July 6. Thanks to the Carter County Honor Guard for the military honors as well as to the Rev. Luis O’Bourke for the commitment service.
A celebration of life memorial service to honor Walter will be held on Sunday, July 21, at 4 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be from 3 to 4 p.m., prior to the service.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Taylor family.