WHITMIRE — Curtis 'Leonard' Taylor, 85, husband of Elsie Maness Taylor, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.
He was born in Whitmire, SC on July 10, 1940, and was a son of the late John Claude and Florence Bellue Taylor.
Leonard loved to work, beginning at the age of 12 delivering newspapers. He went into textiles at 18 years old and worked at five plants until each one closed. Leonard worked at Buffalo Mill for twenty nine and a half years, Woodruff one year, Watts Mill five years. He then went into security at BF Shaw and worked there eighteen years and another two years at Renfro. Leonard finally retired at the age of 84 due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease. He was a faithful member of the Evans St. Church of God.
In addition to his wife of 64 years, he is survived by two sons, Bryan Taylor and the mother of his children (Pattie), and Jason Taylor (Shawn); six granddaughters, Harlie Taylor (Anserious), Trista Taylor, Jenna Taylor (Evan), Kaitlyn Taylor, Brynn Taylor, Starlyn Taylor; three great granddaughters, Paityn McLain, Bonnie Taylor, Avery Richmond; four great grandsons, Rylin Robertson, Rhett McLain, Carter Gilliam, Adrain Alston; two sisters, Claudia Phillips (Frank), and Floree Alexander (Johnny).
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by two sisters, Cathryn “Cat” Nelson, Ruth Taylor Moore; three brothers, David Taylor, Virgil Taylor, Donnie Taylor; five infant brothers and sisters, and a great grandson, Cameron Richmond.
Leonard met a lot of people in his workplace, and some held a special place in his heart, and they are, Randal Liner, Billy Beheler, Steve Melton and Ike Bledsoe.
Funeral services will be held Monday, April 13, 2026 at 2:00PM at the Evans Street Church of God with Rev. Chad Young and Rev. Kenneth Little officiating. Burial will follow in the Whitmire Cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church from 1:00 to 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.grayfuneralhome.com.
Gray Funeral Home of Whitmire is assisting the family with arrangements.
