Charles Taylor

Charles Ray Taylor, age 85 , of Hoover, Alabama, died on the morning of Tuesday, July 22, 2025, after a short stay at The Oaks Nursing Home near Birmingham.

Ray was born in Charleston, WV on July 2, 1940 and was the third youngest of 15 children born to Doy and Margaret Taylor. At the age of 18, Ray joined the US Air Force and completed 2 complete tours, serving both overseas and at home before starting his career with IBM in Huntsville, Alabama. He was a proud veteran and was very proud of the work he did with IBM and the Apollo Project, which he worked on until its cancellation in the early 1970's. He earned numerous awards for customer service with IBM as a Customer Service Engineer during his 30 year career, retiring in July of 1995.

Ray was an avid golfer and bowler and could be found on the golf course every weekend and at the bowling alley during league play during the week. He stayed consistent with both sports well into his early 80's before his health started to decline.

Ray will always be remembered for his big heart and willingness to help and assist anyone at any time. He would give you the shirt off his back to help out and was very adept with his hands, able to fix and repair anything that was brought his way. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather to his family, whom he loved dearly.

He was married to Shirley Faye Taylor for just shy of 64 years, meeting in Cleveland, Ohio while he was home on leave. They met and married quickly as they traveled with the Air Force and later with IBM, seeing and living in much of the country. Ray and Shirley have two sons, Allen Taylor and Doy Taylor. They are blessed with five grandchildren and a great grandchild due in October.

His memory will live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Doy and Margaret Taylor of Charleston, West Virginia, as well as 13 of his siblings with only his youngest brother still remaining. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley Taylor of Hoover, Alabama; son Allen (wife, Donna) of Hoover, Alabama; son Doy (wife, Laurie) of New Market, Alabama.

Ray also had five grandchildren: Elizabeth Taylor, Meredith Jones (husband, Harrison) all of Hoover, Alabama; Andrew Taylor, Chapel Taylor of Atlanta, Georgia, and Elijah Taylor (wife, Skyler) of Huntsville, Alabama.

A memorial service will be held at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, with US Air Force honor guard, on Friday August the 8th at 12:30 pm.