News Summary
The Sunset Beach community is mourning the loss of Walter ‘Walt’ Leslie Taylor, Jr., who passed away on December 26, 2024, at 89. A dedicated family man and craftsman, Walt is remembered for his humor, kindness, and love for community and family. His legacy, including his love for woodworking and sports, will live on through his family and the memories they cherish. Memorial services are planned in Massachusetts, with donations requested in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Sunset Beach Bids Farewell to Beloved Resident Walter Leslie Taylor, Jr.
In the cozy town of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, a wave of sadness washed over the community as news spread of the passing of beloved resident Walter “Walt” Leslie Taylor, Jr. on December 26, 2024. He was 89 years old at the time of his death, surrounded by his adoring family in the comfort of his home.
A Life Well-Lived
Born on June 27, 1935, in Natick, Massachusetts, Walt was the son of the late Walter Leslie Taylor, Sr. and Ruby Veronica Morey Taylor. His journey through life was marked by profound love and commitment, particularly to his family. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his cherished daughter Tracianne Taylor deWolfe and his brother Richard J. Taylor.
A dedicated member of the Catholic faith, Walt often attended services at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in nearby North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. His devotion to his faith was mirrored in his involvement with the Knights of Columbus in Ashland, Massachusetts, where he proudly served as Grand Knight.
A Career Full of Dedication
After pouring his heart into his work, Walt retired from Ford Motor Company following an impressive 35-year career. His colleagues admired his dedication and deeply valued the friendships he built during those years.
Passions and Hobbies
Walt’s creativity shone through in his love for woodworking, a hobby he pursued with gusto. He crafted beautiful pieces that showcased his skills and passion. Alongside his wife Patricia, with whom he shared nearly seven decades of marriage, he enjoyed attending classic car shows, often showcasing their pride and joy, a stunning 1956 Thunderbird.
Golf was another of Walt’s passions, and he relished every moment spent on the green, especially with his grandkids and buddies. He was not only a golfer but also a fervent fan of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and New England Patriots, always ready to cheer his teams on.
The Man Behind the Smile
Walt was well-known for his dry sense of humor, always ready to share a laugh or a playful prank with his beloved grandchildren, creating a treasure chest of inside jokes that will be cherished for generations. He was the epitome of kindness and generosity, a man who loved deeply and gave endlessly.
A Loving Family Man
Walt is survived by his devoted wife Patricia Walter Taylor, his loving daughters Suzanne Taylor-Parent (with husband Joseph) and Leslianne Taylor-Pratt (with husband Robert). He leaves behind a legacy of love through his nine grandchildren: Alyssa, Ryan, Melissa, Alexander, Hannah, Taylor, Tucker, Tia, and Tanner, along with two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Able. Walt’s family also includes his sister, Janet Clark, and several nieces and nephews.
Remembering Walt
The family has announced that memorial services are planned to be held in Massachusetts at a later date, though no services are scheduled in North Carolina. In honoring Walt’s memory, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, a cause that embodies the spirit of giving that Walt lived by.
As Sunset Beach remembers this remarkable man, his legacy of love, laughter, and commitment to family will resonate in the hearts of those who knew him. Walt Taylor may have left this world, but his spirit will live on through the memories he created and the love he shared.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Port City Daily: Walter “Walt” Leslie Taylor, Jr.
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Hartsell Funeral Homes: Sherry Craight
- Google Search: Walter Leslie Taylor obituary
- Tukios: Walter Leslie Taylor Profile
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Funeral
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
