Celebrating the life of....Johnnie "JR" Taylor
Public Visitation: Saturday, February 22, 2020
Free Will U.M.E. Church
110 Carr Street, Thomasville, NC 27360
12:30 pm-1:00 pm
Funeral Service: Saturday, February 22, 2020
1:00 pm
Free Will U.M.E. Church
110 Carr Street, Thomasville, NC 27360
The Obituary
On Monday, February 17, 2020, angels descended to Pruitt Health Care nursing home at the bedside of Johnnie Ray Taylor to welcome him into his heavenly home.
Life’s earthly journey for Johnnie began on Monday, July 18, 1949 in Albemarle, North Carolina where he was born to late Ray Hill, and the later Cora Mae Taylor.
Johnnie graduated from Church Street School. He later earned his Associate Degree in Sociology. In 1971 Johnnie joined the United State Army where he served for 4 years. Accomplishing several awards: National Defense Service Medal, Army Weapons Qualification Badge and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Afterward he was employed as a truck driver where had the opportunity to do exactly what he loved the most, driving.
Friends and family will fondly remember him as a God fearing man. He confessed his life at an early age where he was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC. Johnnie was a giver, willing to sacrifice everything he had including his time visiting the prisons to uplift others. He always had positive and encouraging words to share. Johnnie’s favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed cooking, bowling, playing cards; especially “spades”, riding his motorcycle and listening to music. He was the life of the party.
“Rubberband Man” “JR” or Jay as he was called will be missed by all whom God has allowed to cross his path. He has never meet a stranger and open his heart to everyone.
Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Thurman Thomas and Zackary Denny.
He leaves a legacy of love to his wife, Terry Lilly Taylor of the home, two sons, Rayfield (Judy) Taylor of Charlotte, NC, Johnny “Tyrone” Davis of Thomasville, NC, his extended family, Hakim (Alba) Lilly of Killeen, TX, Antoine Lilly of Chesapeake, VA and Aigner Lilly of Ansonville, NC; six grandchildren, two brothers, Alonzo (Robin) Hackley of High Point, NC and Benny Oliphant of Arlington, VA and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
