Joseph “Joe” Porter Taylor

Joseph “Joe” Porter Taylor, 78, passed away April 4, 2023.

A native of Marietta, SC, and longtime resident of Easley, SC, son of the late James Edgar and Grace Darnell Taylor, whom were not only great parents but his friends, and husband of Methel Bright Taylor.

Mr. Taylor was a graduate of Slater-Marietta High School class of 1962, and a graduate of North Greenville Junior College (Tigerville, SC) and John Marshall School of Law (Atlanta, GA), he also played basketball while at Anderson College, and completed professional certifications and coursework at Furman University. He won several awards while playing basketball and other sports and won multiple state high school basketball championships. Mr. Taylor retired from South Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance Company as their Senior Field Supervisor in 2007 after 37 years in claims service. He worked for the Upper Greenville County developments by serving 2 years as the President of the Slater-Marietta Elementary School PTA and the Lions Clubs. He was a Mason for 50 years and a member of Ebenezer Lodge 101. Mr. Taylor was a member of Providence Baptist Church, Greenville, SC for over 20 years. He served the Lord as a Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Director, Deacon, and Trustee for many years. He had a nursing home ministry serving Carriage House (Taylors), Stroud / Falls Creek Assisted Living (Marietta), and Oakmont Assisted Living / Heartland (Greenville). He had a heart, love, and passion for the elderly and friends around him, and serving those in need.

Mr. Taylor is survived by three children, a son, Joseph “Jody” P. Taylor, Jr. (Sandy) of Marietta, SC, and their sons, Will and Grayson Taylor; a daughter, Leigh Ann Rafalski (Ryan) of Greenville, SC, and their children, Anna Grace and Benjamin Rafalski; and son, Levi Taylor (Blake) of Inman, SC, and their sons, Jameson and Jonathan Joseph Taylor.

He was married to and survived by a great lady, Methel Bright Taylor (née Price) for nearly 25 years. She stood by him with love, support and encouragement throughout their marriage. He had three stepsons; Rickey Bright (Cheryl) of Irmo, SC, and their children, Jordan, Garrett, Evan, and Emily; Gary Bright (Karen) of Piedmont, SC, and their children, Shelby, and Joshua; and Tommy Bright of Hartsville, SC; and two great-grandchildren, Samuel and Noah.

Mr. Taylor is also survived by one brother, Powe Taylor (Merilus) of Myrtle Beach, SC; two sisters, Atha Hancox of Marietta, SC, and Ruth Hollingsworth (Billy) of Whitmire, SC; and three living sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Taylor of Marietta, SC, Lib Taylor and Carolyn Taylor, both of Travelers Rest, SC.

Mr. Taylor was predeceased by five brothers, John Taylor, Shields Taylor, Bud Taylor, Aaron Taylor, and Charles Taylor; and one sister, Ellon Ramey.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Saturday, April 8, 2023, at The Wood Mortuary Chapel. Entombment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park Mausoleum in Travelers Rest, SC. Visitation will be held 12:00-1:45 pm Saturday, April 8, 2023, at The Wood Mortuary. The family will be at their respective homes.

Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, 950 W. Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605 or Providence Baptist Church, 8515 White Horse Rd., Greenville, SC 29617.

Online condolences : The Wood Mortuary

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