Paul Z. Taylor, 88, a longtime Sedro-Woolley area resident, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at Where The Heart Is in Burlington.
Paul was born on July 7, 1926 in Ellijay, NC, one of nine children of James & Annie (Young) Taylor. He was raised and attended school in Franklin.
On October 30, 1944 Paul enlisted into the U.S. Army Air Force, serving in Japan and the Philippines as a Paratrooper with the 11th Infantry Airborne Division. After his discharge in November of 1946 he returned briefly to North Carolina until coming to Sedro-Woolley in 1947. Paul worked as a mechanic at Harry Fredrick’s gas station; was a dairy farmer for several years; for 19 years he worked for Scott Paper as a heavy equipment operator building logging roads and then operated a beef ranch for several years until his retirement.
On May 1, 1974 Paul was united in marriage to Lillian Boe in Reno and for 29 years they made their home in Sedro-Woolley until her passing in 2003. For many years Lillian and Paul were an emergency receiving home for foster children.
Paul enjoyed showing cattle, traveling, but most of all he enjoyed visiting with people.
He was a member of the George Baldridge Post 43, American Legion, the Burlington United Lodge #93, F&AM and was a 25 year member of the Cattlemen’s Association, serving as the local chapter president.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, Norma & Larry Cook and Kirby Taylor of Sedro-Woolley, Zachery & Maria Taylor of Tehachapi, CA and William & Danielle Taylor of Driggs, ID; 2 step-children, Eileen Robinson of Renton, WA and Eric Breum of Mount Vernon, WA; 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren,1 great-great-grandson and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, he was also preceded by his parents; 2 sisters, Bessie Gregory and Jean Norton and 6 brother s, Elmer, Lloyd, Robert, Harold, Leonard & Ralph Taylor.
The family suggests that memorials be made to the North Puget Cancer Center, 2000 Hospital Dr., Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 or the Jenny Stiles-Hudson Memorial Scholarship, c/o the Washington State Cattlemen’s Assoc., PO Box 96, Ellensburg, WA 98926.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley. Interment with Military Honors will follow at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery.
We are so sorry for your loss. Dad thought a lot of Bull. Dad and Thad Hodgin are brother in laws and they spoke so highly of this man.
The Ralph and Jo Anne Bell family
Franklin, North Carolina
I’ve know you for over 40 years Paul and have always thought the world of you..Meetings, dinner with you and Lillian, and celebrating our birthdays together of 37 years..I will miss you at the head of the table my friend..RIP Paul..
Norma, what I remember about your dad was the twinkle in his eye. . . . Hugs to you and your family.
Paul became known to me as a teenager. He later became a real friend as I lived a different kind of life from my teenage years. I will always miss his accent and big bear hugs. He will be missed very much and know that he is with God. Love you Paul Taylor, RIP my friend..I am sorry for you loss Taylor family..he died the man you always wanted him to be..
For many years I could always count on Paul to be in the middle chair of the front table at the Woolley hall and at my home group. He helped me much over the years as he has helped many. We enjoyed many jokes and fun times together. Thanks Paul and my condolences to the family.
Norma, Your father was a good man and he will be missed by everyone. All our sympathy to you and your family. Don and Mel.
A true and loyal friend. I will miss you terribly. You have done a lot for your community in the last 44 years and given me a lot of wisdom and courage during the 23 years that I have known you. I am comforted in knowing that my Lord has welcomed you with open arms.
Len