Ray Jackson Taylor

Ray Jackson Taylor, 94, passed away at his home Friday, August 11, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.  As a member of Castle Rock Baptist Church, he was comforted knowing his place is with his Lord and Savior. If you ever had the privilege of shaking Ray’s hand, you could feel his strength. Not only was he physically strong, but he was strong in faith, mind and character.

Ray, born February 9, 1929, was the son of Ernest Clifton and Leatha Sarver Taylor of Princeton, WV. He graduated from Princeton High School in 1947. Ray proudly served in the United States Army from 1948 through 1953. In 1950, he met and married the love of his life, Marlene DeBoard, while she was working at G.C. Murphy Company. He always said he “met his million-dollar baby at the five and dime”. Together they owned and operated The Village Inn restaurant, serving their community for over 25 years. They enjoyed their precious time together, whether traveling or just sitting on the porch. Their love story continued for nearly 70 years, until Marlene passed away in April, 2020. We know there was a joyful reunion, where all memories of lives well lived are being celebrated.

Ray retired from Celanese Corporation in 1992. Even in retirement, he continued working on his beloved farm, raising a few cattle and tending to his bountiful vegetable garden. Ray was also involved in many organizations and activities, to include: a founding member of the East River Volunteer Fire Department in Princeton, WV; the Kazim Shriners; the Giles Masonic Lodge, where he received his fifty-year pin; the East River and Sugar Run Hunt Clubs; and a loyal West Virginia Mountaineer fan.

Ray was also preceded in death by an infant son, Kenneth and son Clifton “Buddy” Taylor; son-in-law Steve McMahan; siblings, Ernest “Bud” Taylor, Eleanor “Oie” Palmer, Annie “Tootie” Simmons, Sylvia “Sissie” Foster.  He is survived by his children Carolyn and Rick Witt, Cathy Taylor, Tammy and Mike Kight; grandchildren, Rikki Jennell, Jamie and Dave Buck, Michael and Tara Kight; Taylor Kight, Nick and Amber Kight, Catherine K. and Josh Wilson, Cliff Taylor, and Shayne and Braeden Taylor; great-grandchildren, Rae and Ryane Broyles, Addison, Anna, and Caroline Buck, Layke, Fisher, and Wade Kight, Baker Wilson, Tristan Taylor and Haven Taylor.  He is also survived by his sister Violet Belcher and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Peggy and Don Johnston, all of Princeton WV; and many loving nieces and nephews too numerous to name.  

Funeral services honoring both Ray and Marlene will be Saturday August 19^th, at 3:00pm, at Castle Rock Baptist Church in Pembroke, VA. The family will receive visitors an hour before services. A Celebration of Life will follow the funeral at Giles Country Club, Pearisburg, VA.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to Shriners Hospital for Children, your local animal shelter or the church of your choosing.

The family wants to thank the staff of Carillion Clinic Hospice, especially Joelle Heilemann and Kayla Hull. Special thanks to our loving and compassionate caregivers Missy Cromer, Donna Mabry and Angela Owens.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at givensfuneralhome.com.