Kelly Ray Taylor

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 made the state playoffs three years in a row, winning the state title Kelly’s senior year. He was selected to play in 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 buddies, 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, then deployed to Vietnam where he flew MediVac. Upon returning he entered the Bowman Gray Physician Assistant program and was in the first graduating class. He worked in the emergency department of Forsyth Medical Center for 45 years before retiring.

Survivors include his wife, Phyllis, of the home; son, Cory Taylor and wife, Mandy Taylor of Lenoir, NC; two grandchildren, Ella and Evan Taylor; sister, Barbara Hepler and husband, Robert of Advance, NC; 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 West Jefferson.

The family will receive friends from 11:00am to 12:00pm on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. The funeral service will follow at 12:00pm with Chaplain Randy Hillman officiating. A burial with military honors will be held at 11:00am Friday, August 2024, at Mountlawn Memorial Park in North Wilkesboro.