Roy "Keith" Taylor

Roy “Keith” Taylor, age 59, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, November 6, 2017 at Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital following a long battle with Myasthenia Gravis. A native of McDowell County, North Carolina, born September 14, 1958, he was the son of Melba Young Taylor of Marion and the late Roy Lee Taylor, Sr. 

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by sister, Debra Ward. 

A former member of Turkey Cove Baptist Church, Keith enjoyed being outdoors, but had a love of deer hunting.  He was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys. 

Keith is survived by, in addition to his mother, wife, Connie Taylor of Marion; mother-in-law, Earlene Hensley of Burnsville; two children, Dustin Taylor (Angela) of Marion and Holly Croom (Fiancé, Chris Sigmon) of Marion; one step-daughter, Tabatha Edwards of Marion; one brother, Roy Lee Taylor, Jr. (Jennifer) of Nebo; five grandchildren, Kylie Taylor, Daniel Taylor, Thomas Croom, Shelby Croom and Makenzie Croom; three step-grandchildren, Isaac Robinette, Micah Robinette and Adam Maynor.  He is also survived by brother-in-law, Bryan Hensley (Lynn); nephew, Kevin Byrd; six nieces, Brooke Hudgins (Josh), Bethany Hensley (Preston), Chelsea Blake (Levi), Kourtney Byrd, Hannah Hensley and Megan Hensley; numerous aunts and uncles; special caregiver, Marsha Smith and Darrel Furgeson; special friends, Mike Shepherd and Jock Wall, along with many special friends at McDowell Tire; and numerous other friends. 

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service in Marion with Rev. Robbie Waddle, Rev. David Edwards and Brother Roy Lee Taylor, Jr. officiating.  Interment will follow at West Court Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Taylor’s memory are asked to consider Mission Rathbun House, 121 Sherwood Road, Asheville, North Carolina 28803. 

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Mission Health for the exceptional care that they provided for Keith and his family during this difficult time.