Mr. Kelly Ray Taylor, 81, of Winston-Salem, NC entered into eternal rest on August 19, 2024 at Forsyth Medical Center. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother who will be greatly missed. Kelly was born December 13, 1942 in N. Wilkesboro, NC, the first born child of the late Ray and Grace Taylor. He grew up in Wilkes County and graduated from North Wilkes High School where he was captain of the boys basketball team. The team reached the state playoffs three years in a row and won the state title Kelly’s senior year. He was selected for the All-Northwest game in 1961. He attended Appalachian State University and Florida State University. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with his special friends who were like family as long as his health permitted.

Mr. Taylor served his country in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Charleston Air Force Base. He was then deployed to Vietnam where he flew MediVac. Upon his return, he participated in Bowman Gray’s physician assistant program and was one of the first graduates. Before retiring, he worked in the emergency department at Forsyth Medical Center for 45 years.

He leaves behind his wife Phyllis of the home, his son Cory Taylor and his wife Mandy Taylor of Lenior, NC, two grandchildren, Ella and Evan Taylor, his sister Barbara Hepler and her husband Robert of Advance, NC, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Steve and Cathy Johnson of West Jefferson, NC, four nephews, David Hepler (Yurami) of Winston-Salem, John Hepler (Sara) of Bermuda Run, Nathan Johnson (Janna) of Apex and Adam Johnson of Wilmington.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to noon on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at the Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. Funeral services will be held at noon with Chaplain Randy Hillman officiating. A burial with military honors will be held on Friday, August 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Mountlawn Memorial Park in North Wilkesboro.