Jesse Taylor

Jesse Gray Taylor died March 15, 2014 after a brief illness. He was born in Harrellsville, NC on January13, 1917, son of Jesse Eugene and Mary Agnes Parker Taylor. Predeceased by Margaret Miller Taylor and Vivian Heidler Taylor, Jess is survived by his wife, Allene Wood Taylor. Mr. Taylor was a proud veteran of World War II, having served in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a chemical engineer, retiring from Lockwood Greene in 1982. Jess was well known for his knowledge of plants, especially blueberries, and his love of gardening. He worked closely with Harold Hatcher in the establishment of Hatcher Gardens and was a dedicated volunteer. He was a master gardener and member of the Spartanburg Men's Garden Club. In addition to his wife, survivors include three sons, Michael (Teel) of Columbia, SC, Dave (Angela) of Mission Viejo, CA, and Tony of Savannah, GA; one step-daughter, Chris Wood Lynn (Maxcy); and eight grandchildren. He also leaves behind one brother, Gordon Taylor; and sister, Jeannie Sawyer. A celebration of Jess's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at Hatcher Gardens, conducted by the Rev. J. Edward Morris and the Rev. Stephen Y. McGehee. The family will receive friends after the service at Hatcher Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hatcher Gardens, P.O. Box 2337, Spartanburg, SC 29304. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jesse Gray Taylor please visit our Sympathy Store.