Gary Randles Taylor

Gary R. Taylor 84, of Colliers, WV., died peacefully Friday, September 27, 2024, at Valley Hospice Care Center North, Steubenville, OH.

Born November 28, 1939, in the family home at Glovers Gap, WV., he was the son of the late Sheridan N. and Virgia Lula Glover Taylor. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Darlene K. (Rhoades) Taylor, who passed on December 18, 2016, and two sisters, Treva A. (Denzil) Gump, and Linda (Clark) Villers.

A Christian by faith, after graduating from Pine Grove High School in 1958, he served in the US Army but was honorably discharged so he could return home to help care for his ailing father. He found work at Weirton Steel Corporation but continued to live with them in Coburn WV, though he rented a room in Weirton where he could stay while working. It was there he met Darlene, the daughter of his landlady and the love of his life. They married in April of 1966 and were the parents of three children filling their lives with opportunity and cherished memories.

After retiring from WSX’s continuous caster in 1997, Gary started his own small business, Taylor Excavating. He enjoyed camping and spoiling his grandchildren. His hobbies included tractors, dump trucks, and any kind of machinery, mowing grass, planting and nurturing beautiful vegetable gardens, and drinking coffee on his porch early in the morning while watching the birds.

He was a gentle, soft-spoken simple man with a huge heart. He was loved and gave love unconditionally. When his wife was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in her mid-sixties, he visited her at the skilled nursing facility every day for more than six years before her passing.

Left to cherish his memory with love and deep admiration are his three children, Lori Taylor-Hunt, Fredericktown, OH., Brian (Rose) Taylor, Colliers, WV., and Lisa (Jay) Taylor-Mills of Weirton, grandchildren Justin (Dianna) Hunt, Mariah Mills, and Ryan Taylor, great-grandchildren Preston and Rhegan Hunt, a brother, Sheridan (Karen) Taylor of Weirton, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Amar Khurana and his office staff, as well as the home caregivers who were as Gary would say, “his right hand,” including Heather, Sue, Paula, Debbie, Martha, Mary, Jackie, Jen, and IC Care. You all made each day better and brighter by just having conversations with Gary, showing him compassion and empathy, playing checkers, watching TV, and listening to the radio with him or offering him his favorite snack, (a huge bowl or two of ice cream) at any time.

Friends can visit Gary’s family on Wednesday, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219, Main Street Weirton, WV., where funeral services will be celebrated on Thursday at 11 AM.

Burial will follow immediately in Chapel Hill Cemetery

Reverend Larry Barkley will officiate.

Special thanks to Valley Hospice Mary Jane Brooks Care Center North who allowed his transition to heaven to be comfortable and peaceful.

Memorial contributions may be made to Valley Hospice, Stjude.org the Alzheimer’s Association, or NAMI.

Share online condolences at www.grecohertnick.com.