Charles "Fred" Taylor

Retired 1st Sgt. Charles Fred Taylor of Parkers Lake, Kentucky was received with open arms by his Lord and Savior on June 27, 2016 after a battle with cancer.  
Born in Sawyer, Kentucky, on August 4, 1930, Fred was the son of the late John Frank Taylor and Birley Adaline (Worley) Taylor.  He left the area to join the armed forces in 1948 and returned home briefly during his own father’s battle with cancer.  In 1952, after the loss of his father, Fred became a member of the elite group; The United States Marine Corps.  He fought valiantly in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War, declining a Purple Heart Award because his fellow brothers had died.  He ended his military career after receiving many medals and awards in 1973.
Aside from devoting his life to protecting our country, he devoted his life to Christ and his family. He was a beloved member of Dixie Bend United Baptist Church.  He loved playing his guitars and singing songs of praise.
He was also a devoted father and husband, who will always be remembered by his loving, tender ways, and quick wit. He loved fishing and camping with his family.  They have fond memories of badminton games, playing horseshoes, and roasting marshmallows by a campfire.  He also loved gardening and watching his hummingbirds (known as his babies) feed on his porch.
Fred leaves behind the love of his life of 62 years, Wilma Ruth (Vernon) Taylor, and their five children: Mary Lucille Flinchum of Walnut Cove, North Carolina; Paula Taylor of Tyron, North Carolina; Frank Taylor (and Laurel) of Arden, North Carolina; Carol (and Conner) Powell of Drums, Pennsylvania; and Joy (and Jon) Slebos of Fernandina Beach, Florida; 20 Grandchildren and 15 Great-Grandchildren.  He also leaves behind two sisters, Ellen Clark and Betty Jones, as well as his brother, Calvin “Banty” Taylor.
Everyone who had the honor of knowing Fred loved him.  He will be genuinely missed by all, but none will miss him more than his wife and their five children.
Services will be held at the McCreary County Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 a.m., on July 1, 2016. The Reverends Mike Hammond and Rufus Hughes will be officiating.  Interment will be at the Mill Springs National Cemetery in Nancy, Kentucky, with honors bestowed by the U.S. Marine Corps.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 30, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
McCreary County Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.