WILLIAMSBURG — Ernest Edward “Ernie” Taylor, known to all by Ernie, lost his battle with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 84 peacefully at home with family Thursday, April 1, 2021.
Ernie was born Dec. 24, 1936, in Newport News and spent most of his life as a resident of the Peninsula. He was a 1955 graduate of Hampton High, where he excelled in track and cross country. He then attended Wofford College.
Ernie worked in the building supply industry for 53 years, starting in 1958 with Moore’s and then joined Johnson & Wimsatt. When Wimsatt was purchased by Boise Cascade, he was promoted to branch manager of Raleigh Operations. When the facility closed, he returned to Virginia & began working for Addington Beaman Lumber, where he opened the Newport News location. After Addington was sold, he worked for Parkview Supply & then joined Custom Builder Supply, where he retired in 2008. He continued his love of working and helping others by working part time for his son Barry at Custom Vinyl Products until 2011.
Ernie was a man of strong integrity and will most be remembered for his willingness to help all who knew him. His quick wit made us all laugh, and his one-liners were always memorable. He was full of life and enjoyed dancing with his bride, having pig-picking parties, cooking, sharing his recipes and working in the yard. He loved to admire the fountain in his backyard that he and his friends built, and he loved to show pictures of the fountain frozen over. Many pictures and memories were made both “in” and around the fountain. He was in a bridge group for many years as well as the golf league at Williamsburg National.
In addition to his wife of 60 years, Carolyn, he is survived by his children, Barry (Lisa) Taylor and Cathy (Leo) King; Pa Pa to four adored grandchildren, Marcus and Kyle Taylor, Preston Gravitt and Tyler King; and brother, Burrell Taylor (and the late Donna Taylor). He was preceded in death by his parents, Ophelia Harrell & James Burrell Taylor.
Thank you to all the staff at Saving Grace Home Care & Riverside Hospice for all your love and care.
A service will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home and will be broadcast live online. Condolences may be shared with Nelsen Funeral Home to help treasure the memories and stories of our dad.
