James Taylor

James Archibald "Archie" Taylor, 86, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away at home on Wednesday, April 24, 2013. Born in Greenville, SC, on April 16, 1927, he was preceded in death by his parents, Rosser Howard and Susie Vallotton Kent Taylor. He was an active and founding member of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, where he served as a lay reader for a number of years. He attended Wake Forest University and graduated from Georgia Tech in 1948 with a Master's degree in Industrial Engineering. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity at both universities. He enlisted in the Navy during World War II and was commissioned from ranks to Lieutenant. He was employed by Deering Milliken & Co. in Spartanburg for a total of 35 years, where he retired as Director of Operations Research. As well, his career included the Lane Co. in Altavista, VA serving as Chief Industrial Engineer, and the Sperry Hutchinson Co. in Greensboro, NC where he was Director of Industrial Engineering. He enjoyed music throughout his life, and playing in the high school and Navy Bands. He was a founding member of the "Windjammers" Dixieland Band in Spartanburg and played the clarinet with them for 28 years, and continued up until very recently within the community to promote various charities and lift spirits in nursing homes locally. He was an avid reader, bridge player, golfer, fisherman, a lover of gardening and nature. In earlier years, he was active in the Boy Scouts, and a member of the Rotary Club serving as President of the North Spartanburg Rotary Club in 1971. Over the years, he enjoyed spending much time with family and friends at his beach house, which he has had for 48 years--one of the first built on Fripp Island, SC in 1965. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth Selden Taylor; his daughter, Susan Taylor Murray and husband Thomas of North, VA; son, Dr. William Stokes Taylor and wife Mary Jo of Wellington, New Zealand; three grandchildren, Joseph Rosser Taylor, Dr. William Selden Taylor, and Carmen Oller Taylor, all of New Zealand; and a brother, W. Kent Taylor of Tifton, GA. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by a brother, Richard B. Taylor. A memorial service will be conducted at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 400 Dupre Dr., Spartanburg, SC 29307, on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Joseph K. Smith officiating. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. The remains will be interred at a later date in the Fripp Island All Faiths Chapel Memorial Garden, Fripp Island, SC. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. Christopher's Episcopal Church (address above); or The American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615. The J. F. Floyd Mortuary To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Archibald "Archie" Taylor please visit our Sympathy Store.