Ernest Morris Taylor, Jr. known as Morris Taylor age 80 of Galax, Virginia passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, August 9, 2019.

Mr. Taylor was born in Kershaw, South Carolina on October 2, 1938 to Ernest Morris Taylor, Sr. and Sadie Wilson Taylor. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister-in-law Sonja Gray Ward; niece Audrey L. Taylor; nephew Ashton Ward and his mother-in-law Dorothy H. Ward.

A graduate of Clemson University in 1962, he began his textile career. His textile career took him to numerous states with Hanes Knitwear, Jockey International, Cinderella Knitting Mills and finally retiring from National Textiles in Galax, Virginia which he considered his "little piece of Heaven." He was an avid hunter, avid golfer and longtime member of the Blue Ridge Country Club. He enjoyed a great round of golf as well as a great dove shoot. His proudest achievement was becoming a U.S. Marine Reservist for seven years.

He leaves his devoted wife of 52 years, Jane Ward Taylor of Galax, Virginia; his daughter and son-in-law Melissa and David McAlister of Knoxville, Tennessee; son Asa Todd Taylor of Hillsville, Virginia;  two grandchildren Madison and Griffin McAlister; brothers and sisters-in-law Jeffrey and Linda Taylor of Kershaw, South Carolina; Barry Taylor; W.R. and Donna Taylor of Lugoff, South Carolina; brothers-in-law and spouses Taylor and Penny Ward of Morristown, Tennessee; Larry Ward of Cumming, Georgia; Roy and Tina Ward of Wilmington, North Carolina; many nieces, nephews and close friends.

The family will receive friends Saturday, August 17, 2019 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home. A memorial service and inurnment will be held at a later date in Kershaw, South Carolina. While flowers are appreciated Mr.  Taylor had requested donations in his memory be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Ks. 66675-8517, the Galax Foundation For Excellence in Education, P.O. Box 487, Galax, Virginia 24333 or to the SECU Family House 1970 Baldwin Lane, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27103.

He was a man of few words but always had a "thumbs up" for everyone. He was a faithful Clemson Tiger Fan to the end. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed.