Dr. Richard Allen Taylor

RICHARD ALLEN TAYLOR

April 14,1940 - February 27, 2024

Born in Anderson County, South Carolina

Resided in Monroe, North Carolina

Dr. Richard Allen Taylor, age 83, passed away peacefully at home on February 27, 2024 after a long illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Dr. Taylor is survived by his beloved wife Joyce Bivens Taylor, to whom he was married for almost 60 years; their daughter Lori Taylor Duncan (Bill) and son Richard Allen Taylor, Jr. (Jenna); grandchildren Trey Blood (Savannah), Tiffany Caro (Edwin), Alexandra Duncan (Kyle), Trip Taylor and Annabelle Taylor; great-granddaughters Natalie Harper Blood and Luna Grace Caro (who will make her appearance in May, 2024); his brother Mike Faulkenberry and sisters Charlene Faulkenberry, Wanda Valencia (Tony), and Carol Fowler (Bill); and many nieces and nephews.

He was born April 14, 1940 in Anderson County, South Carolina. He was the foster son of Barbara Davis Faulkenberry and the late Thomas Faulkenberry of Wingate. He graduated from Wingate High School, Wingate College and Wake Forest University before attending the Bowman Gray School of Medicine, where he received his MD degree. After completing a Pediatrics internship and residency at Charlotte Memorial Hospital and three years in private pediatric practice in Charlotte, he moved his young family to Monroe, N.C. where he became the first pediatrician to open a practice in Union County. In the early 1980’s, concerned about the lack of educational resources for young diabetic patients, Dr. Taylor approached the Union County United Way Planning Council to advocate for the hiring of a nurse educator. His efforts eventually led to the formation of the Union County Diabetes Council.

In addition to his great love and dedication to his family and medical career, he was known for his strong religious faith, which brought him great joy and supported him through serious medical issues during his life. He especially enjoyed leading Sunday School classes and singing in the choir. He was a passionate fan of basketball and golf but most of all he delighted in spending time with old friends and making new ones.

A celebration of his life and God’s faithfulness will be held Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Lee Park Church, with burial to follow at Lakeland Memorial Park,

1901 Lancaster Avenue, Monroe, NC 28112.

For those who wish to give a Memorial gift the family suggests:

Lee Park Church, 2491 Morgan Mill Road, Monroe, NC. 28110

St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe, NC 28112 is honored to be entrusted to care for the Taylor family.