Thomas "Tommy" Guy Taylor

Thomas (Tommy) Guy Taylor, 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 29, 2026, surrounded by his family. Tommy was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Stanleyville, serving in many roles over the years, most recently as a Trustee. Visitors and members alike always received a warm greeting from him as he helped them find a seat. He retired after thirty‑seven and a half years from RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company. Tommy was generous and kind—helping people quietly and without fanfare, even rescuing his stranded daughter‑in‑law when she forgot to fill her car’s gas tank. He was an avid Wake Forest Demon Deacon fan, rarely missing a football or basketball game, always cheering on the Deacs. Nothing delighted him more than seeing his son and both grandchildren graduate from Wake Forest University. He was a familiar presence around campus, often stopping by the athletic offices to have a chat or share a good story. Tommy also loved spending Saturday mornings at yard sales and estate auctions, discovering treasures and gifts for family and friends.

Tommy was born on August 15, 1941, in Hoke County, North Carolina, to Thomas and Fannie Taylor. He grew up on a farm near East Bend, NC, alongside his brothers, Bobby and Charlie. He graduated from Northwest High School in Winston-Salem, NC, and soon after began his long career at RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, where he worked for more than thirty‑seven years.

Faith was central to Tommy’s life. At First Baptist Church of Stanleyville, he served joyfully in many capacities—Trustee, deacon, usher, and steadfast participant in church life. He found purpose in serving others and took great pride in making sure everyone who walked through the doors felt welcome.

Tommy lived a life filled with enthusiasm and simple joys. He loved playing baseball, softball, and golf, and his competitive spirit was matched only by his good humor. Whether he was sharing a joke, offering a helping hand, swapping stories on campus, or hunting for bargains at a yard sale, Tommy approached every day with warmth and generosity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Guy and Fannie Pearl Hobson Taylor; his brothers, Bobby Taylor and Charlie Taylor; and his nephew, Jonathan Taylor.

Tommy is survived by his beloved wife of almost 63 years, Bonnie Tuttle Taylor. He was a deeply proud father to Michael (Kathy) Taylor and an adoring grandfather to Victoria Taylor and Tommy Taylor. He also leaves behind his sister‑in‑law Susan Taylor; his nieces and nephews Cynthia (Jesse) Stigall, Doug (Kathy) Stoltz, Melinda (David) Craver, David (Brenda) McKnight, Cindy Taylor, and Shannon Alspaugh; and many cherished grand‑nieces and grand‑nephews all whom he loved dearly.

The funeral service for Tommy will take place on Friday, February 6, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Stanleyville. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m., with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First Baptist Church of Stanleyville, Winston‑Salem, NC.