Charles Taylor

Charles Taylor, 88, of Elizabethtown, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Maggie Taylor; three sisters: Grace Johnson, Joyce Taylor, Louise Taylor; two brothers: Herbert Taylor, Jr and Jim Taylor. Charles leaves behind his wife, Gracie D. Taylor of the home; two daughters: Lisa Allison and husband Tony of Elizabethtown, Linda Taylor of Garner; brother, Pete Taylor of Bladenboro; and granddaughter, Hannah Allison of Elizabethtown.

Charles was born in Robeson County and spent the majority of his adult life in Bladen County.  After high school, he attended barber school in Durham, NC and then worked as a barber in Fayetteville, NC.  He joined the US Army in February of 1952 and served his country in the Korean War attaining the Korean Service Medal with five bronze campaign stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, three overseas service bars, and a Good Conduct Medal.  He was honorably discharged in February of 1954 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. After serving in the US Army, he returned to his trade of being a barber, eventually opening Taylor’s Barber Shop in Elizabethtown, NC.

In 1955, he met his life-long love, Gracie Deaver, while visiting his mother in the hospital, who happened to be in the same hospital room with Gracie’s mother. He bought her a Coca-Cola that very same day.  After dating for only 3 months, they were married on February 12, 1956.  Charles continued working as a barber until he joined the Elizabethtown Police Department on October 1, 1958.  He served as a patrolman for 11 years.  He then became Assistant Chief for 3 years before becoming Chief after the fatal shooting of Chief Jimmy Bell on September 30, 1972.  Chief Taylor became the first president of the Fraternal Order of Police in Elizabethtown and he hired the first full-time female police officer in Southeastern, NC.  He worked as Chief until October 1987 when he retired.

In retirement, Charles cooked doughnuts, cakes, and pastries and helped Gracie with operating the City Sandwich Shop on Poplar Street in Elizabethtown until they closed the business after 40 plus years.

Charles treasured his family and enjoyed helping others.  He never met a stranger and loved meeting new people.  One of the greatest joys of his life came in 1999 when his only grandchild, Hannah, was born.  He was a member of the Elizabethtown Baptist Church, Elizabethtown Jaycees and the Elizabethtown Kiwanis Club.

The family would like to give a special thank you to all the caregivers that have helped Charles through his time of need.

A drive-thru visitation will be held from 5:30-7:30pm on Tuesday, September 1st at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A graveside service will be held at 11am on Wednesday, September 2nd in the Wesley’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Elizabethtown with the Rev. Neil Smith officiating.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Lower Cape Fear Hospice or Elizabethtown Kiwanis Club.