JACKSON, NC – On November 20, 2014, Michael Stuart Taylor, age 61, lost his battle with cancer after four years.  He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Taylor was born on November 23, 1952 to Charlie W. and Foy Ricks Taylor in Roanoke Rapids, NC. Michael was a 1971 graduate of Northampton County High School, and earned a degree in agriculture from North Carolina State University to supplement his knowledge of land management which he used in his love of farming and his many years of serving on the Soil and Water Conservation Board.  He was an active member in the Northampton County Forestry Association.  He will be missed by many of his friends at the O.T. Hunt Club and Rook Club.

Michael was a faithful member and leader in Zion United Methodist Church in Conway, and served on numerous committees and boards in addition to being a choir member.  He enjoyed multiple outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking, boating, and especially spending time at his Lake Gaston home with his family.  He devoted his life to his God, his family, his church and community and will be greatly missed by all.

Left to cherish Michael’s memory is his loving wife, Susan Harris Taylor; four sons, Mason Taylor and wife Jessica of Jackson, NC, Evan Taylor and wife Mitzi of Conway, NC, Corey Taylor and wife Maggie of Wilson, NC, and Logan Taylor and wife Meredith of Greenville, NC; his brother, Gregory Taylor and wife Judy of Jackson, NC; two sisters, Phyllis Taylor of Jackson, NC, and Nina Taylor of Sharpsburg, NC; two grandsons, Cole Taylor, and Caleb Taylor; four granddaughters, Lena Taylor, Ella Taylor, Jodi Taylor, and Jules Taylor; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 22, 2014, from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Rich Square Chapel, Rich Square, NC, and other times at the home.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2014, at 2:30 pm at the Zion United Methodist Church, Conway, NC, with Rev. Dr. Suzanne Cobb officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Kidney Cancer Association, P.O. Box 803338 #38269, Chicago, IL 60680-3338, or to Zion United Methodist Church, c/o Kay Flythe, P.O. Box 124, Conway, NC 27820.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Rich Square Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Taylor family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.