MICHAEL W. TAYLOR
May 29, 1947-September 29, 2013
Michael William Taylor passed away on September 29, 2013. He was born on May 29, 1947 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Orville Walters Taylor and Evelyn Adella Bonham Taylor, who survives.
At the age of 8, Michael moved to Iwo, Nigeria, with his parents, who were Southern Baptist Missionaries. He attended Newton Memorial School in Oshogbo, Nigeria.
After his parents returned to the United States, Michael graduated from Lee Edwards High School, Asheville, NC.
Michael attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1964 to 1969, where he majored in Classics. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Naval ROTC and received the Eben Alexander Prize in Greek. He spent his Junior year in Paris studying at the Sorbonne.
Upon graduation, Michael entered the Navy and served as a Naval Historian in Vietnam. Later in the war, he became a translator for Naval operations in Cambodia, embedded with local Cambodian forces, and earned, among other decorations, the Navy Commendation Medal with Valor Device and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He reached the rank of Lieutenant.
Michael entered Harvard University in 1971 and earned a Master’s Degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Classics, setting the record for the fastest ever completion of this degree. He was an archaeologist and dug in Greece and Cyprus. His PhD thesis was about the slaying of tyrants oppressing the Greek people in 5th Century B.C. Athens, and about how civil religion was created and maintained.
Michael entered UNC Law School in 1975, where he met his wife, Susan Chandler. They married August 14, 1977.
After graduation from law school in 1978, Michael worked as a clerk for Judge Frank Parker of the North Carolina Court of Appeals. In 1981, Michael and Susan moved to Susan’s hometown of Albemarle, NC, where Michael practiced law until 2013. He was also of counsel to the law firm Parker, Poe, Adams and Bernstein, LLP.
Michael had a deep faith in Jesus Christ, and worked to serve God throughout his whole life. He served as a deacon at Yates Baptist Church, Durham, NC; North Albemarle Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church Albemarle and taught Sunday School for more than 20 years. From 1986 to 1990 he served as a parliamentarian at the annual session of the NC Baptist State Convention. He served eight years on the General Board of the North Carolina Baptist State Convention.
A favorite passage of his was Amos chapter five, verse 24: “Let justice run down like waters and righteousness as a mighty and ever-flowing stream.” He believed deeply in justice.
He was a great reader whose hunger for books and knowledge was never ending. Michael published numerous articles and four books: The Tyrant Slayers; The Cry Is War, War, War; To Drive the Enemy From Southern Soil; and Tar Heels: How North Carolinians Got Their Nickname. He was a well-known historian who explored justice and right use of power and government.
Michael was active in Democratic Party politics, serving as the Chairman of the Stanly County, NC Democratic Party from 1993 to 1994 and as the Democratic nominee for Congress in North Carolina’s Eighth District in 1998 and 2000. He received the Chairman’s Award from the North Carolina Democratic Party in 1995.
Michael was blessed with many friends and family. There was never any challenge to his love for his family. He stood by his family and worked for them even unto the last day of his life. He was a loving person, a person who was fascinated by the world and was greatly beloved by his wife and three children, who survive him.
He is survived by his wife, Susan; three children, William, Samuel Vivian, and John; his Mother, Evelyn; three sisters, Priscilla Shisler, Melissa Schmidt and Penelope Pullen; sister in law, Jane Davis; 2 brothers in law, Mark Shisler and Gerald Pullen; 4 nephews and 3 nieces.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 2:00 pm at University Baptist Church, 100 South Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC.
Memorials may be made to Michael and Susan Taylor Classics Fund, University of North Carolina Department of Classics, CB# 3145, Murphey Hall, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3145; Stanly Community Christian Ministries, PO Box 58, Albemarle, NC, 28002; Walking in Love Ministries, PO Box 2249, Forney, Texas, 75126; and Nigeria Faithful Works, 2513 Buckingham Drive, Heath, Texas, 75032.
Vickie G Stonestreet
Susan & Family, Robert and I are so sorry for your loss. Mike was such a good man. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
David & Mellanie Morgan
We thank God for the life of Mike Taylor and we thank Mike for all he did to make God’s world a better place.
With all our sympathy,
David & Mellanie Morgan
Miller & Teryn Morgan
Jordan & Amanda Morgan
Albemarle, North Carolina
Donnie Thomas
Sorry for your loss
RICK BURRIS
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
sherrill smith
Our prayers are with the family.
Don Davis
Prayers are with you so sorry for your loss
Joe Lowder
Susan & John, I am deeply sorried to hear of the passing of Mike. You all have been dear friends for many years. It is with sincere regret that I will not be able to attend the service this Saturday since I will be out of state. Please accept my condolences for not only your loss, but a great loss for all those that knew Mike and experienced his kindness and friendship. We will be thinking of you.
Joe & Rita Lowder
Becky Callahan
I am so sorry to hear this…I always had the utmost respect for him and I think the world of Susan as well. My thoughts are with Susan and the children..RIP Mike.
Robert Harvey
Great Friend, Vietnam Vet that ran the river Boats. Will always remember his model Patrol Boat in his office and the pride that he felt having served on one. He will be missed and remembered.
Sailing the freedom skys now, Your friend Bob Harvey
Martha Owens Cranford
Susan and family; I am so sorry about Mike. Please know that we are praying for you. Mike was a good lawyer and a good man.
Martha
Martha Sue Hall
Susan and Family,
We will continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. May you know and feel the love and peace of GOD in the days and months to come.
Peace to each of you,
Dan & Martha Sue Hall Samples
Murphy Hall
Morgan & Peter Schultz
Margaret Snyder
Susan, I was very shocked and saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. He and Roger were good friends and I worked with one of his campaigns, 1998 or 1999. He was a brilliant man and I always enjoyed his great stories of the Civil War. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Pammie McSheehan
Judge Taylor, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jo McCants
Susan,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Take care of yourself.
Jeff Barger Rowan Co. Clerk of Court
Sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Debbie Biggers
It was a sad day for all of us here in Albemarle when we heard that Mike had passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Justice Paul Newby
So sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and your family during this time.
DONNA BOST MABRY
Susan,
So sorry for your loss. He was such a kind and honest man. thinking of you and your family.
Lee Gilliam
I’m very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
J. R. Rowell, Union Co. Clerk of Superior Court
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Carolyn Parker
Judge Taylor and Family – I am so sorry to hear about Michael’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelly williams
I am so sorry for your loss. Know that we are thinking of you and your family.
Kelly Williams
Albemarle NC
bear knotts
my prayers are with Mike’s family at this sad time
Carl R. Fox
Susan,
I have so many memories of you and Michael in law school, in politics and after you moved to Chapel Hill. I am deeply saddened at the passing of Michael and I hope your many memories bring you comfort and peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children.
With love and best wishes,
Carl
Betty Owens
Judge Susan Taylor, I pray GOD will give you and your family peace and comfort. My remembrance of Attorney Michael Taylor, a good man whom has always treated me with kindness and respect. My deepest sympathy to you.
Betty Owens
Assistant Clerk of Court
Stanly County
Julie Brinkley
Judge Taylor, My heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Hunter
Susan,
So sorry to learn of Mike’s death. He was a wonderful person. You are in my prayers.
Ginny Skidmore
My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to you, Susan, and all the family. I remember fondly your days at First Baptist Church in Albemarle. My prayers and love are sent your way!
Don and Nancy Joines
Susan,
Sending our love and our sympathy to you and your children. We have such fond memories of your family when the two Wills were children.
Kay Nahrgang
Dear Susan and family: Our sincere sympathy on the passing of Michael. I don’t think we have ever known such a fine, Christian man who lived what he believed so fully. God bless all of you and your memories.
rick huggins
I am truly saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. I enjoyed our conversations, supporting him in his run for congress and service on several committees. he was a kind, intelligent and generous man and will be missed, by all who knew him, my prayers go out to his family. God bless
Joseph Burleson
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Taylor family at this time.
Larry & Kay Baucom
Our deepest sympathy, love, thoughts,and prayers to you and your family. May god bless and comfort you. Love, Larry and Kay Baucom.
Ronnie Michael
Susan,
My deepest condolences to you and the family. Mike was a good man and he will be missed. If I can do anything for you, please let me know.
Justin & Mildred Hill
Dear Susan & boys, men, now
So shocked to read of Mike’s homegoing.
Your family was an inspiration to us at First B in Albemarle. Our deepest sympathy & prayers for you at this time of sorrow.
Anna Mills Wagoner
Susan, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful and brilliant husband. I will always remember him smiling and friendly at out district court Judges conferences from long ago. My love and heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Love, Anna Mills
Nancy G. Rorie
Susan, I am so very sorry to learn of this. I will always remember Mike as a great guy! I loved our conversations. He was always so enthusiastic about life — there was never a dull moment when he was around! You and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Pokie Noland
Dear Susan and family,
You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Michael was a wonderful Christian man who loved his family. One memory that comes to mind is the time several of our families camped at Cade’s Cove. The picture we took hangs in our hallway reminding us of friendships, love, laughter, and families and friends enjoying God’s creation. Larry and I will continue to keep you in our prayers.
Lynnie Lawrence
My family is praying for your family, that God will give you strength. Trust in the lord.
Chuck Ambrose
Will certainly keep your family in thoughts and prayers and grateful to count Mike as a friend when we are at Pfeiffer.
Judy H. Tucker
Susan – I was shocked to hear of Mike’s passing, but know heaven has called another faithful servant home. You both were always so kind to me. My sympathy to you and all the family.
Jerry Myers
Michael will be missed. He was a friend and counsel for me as manager in Stanly County. His advice and recommendations were always respected.
Jim Webb
Susan and family,
To say I was shocked to learn of Michael’s passing would be an understatement. Susan, I am so sorry and send to you and your family my sincerest condolences.
I have very fond memories of Michael when you and I worked for Carroll. I shall keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness. Take care….
Franklin and Sarah Lee
We are sad to hear of Michaels passing. You will be in our prayers.
Franklin and Sarah Lee
We are sad to hear of Michaels passing. You will be in our prayers.
Loy Ingold
Susan and family,
We extend our sympathy to you and your family in your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. I recall the “good days” at the Stanly Courthouse, Mike’s defense and your great offense as ADA and Judge.. always seeking justice! Mike will be remembered with the footprints he has left as good servants will continue until we all meet again. Sincerely,
Loy & Sherry Ingold
Concord, NC
John Mullis
My thoughts and prayers go out to Susan and the family. Mike and I had some wonderful times together and I was truly blessed by knowing him. I have no doubt that he is already plotting a resurrection of the Middle Class! March on Brother !
Pam Carriker
Dear Susan and family,
I was so surprised to hear of Michael’s passing. Please know that you will be remembered in my daily prayers asking for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Jackie Almond
Susan and family so sorry for you loss. Love and prayers to you at this most difficult time.
Billy L. Oliver, Ph.D.
Dear Susan, I was shocked to learn of Mike’s passing. I recall with great fondness discussions with Mike about history, archaeology, politics and the law. I know he was pleased when you and I worked together on cases that involved archaeology and the law in Stanly Co. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss.
Susan & Joe Calloway
Susan, we have you and your family in our prayers. Susan & Joe
Jerry Maslowski
Dear Susan, Will, Sam & John,
The world has lost a great asset. Mike was a friend to many of us, especially Viet Nam Vets. He was the most honest man that I ever knew. I loved his books about the Civil War. He had so many talents and could juggle ten projects at the same time.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike, enjoy this next journey. Semper Fidelis.
Jerry & Teresa Maslowski
Susan Hennessy
I met Mike through the Stanly County Democratic Party. He was very kind to me at a party where I didn’t know anyone. My husband was an Army Historian serving in Iraq at the time and he shared his some of his experiences as a Naval Historian. He was a good man and you all were lucky to have him in your lives.
Jayrene Maness
Dear Susan and family,
We were so shocked and saddened to learn of Michael’s passing. We know that he is now absent from the body and present with the Lord. May you draw comfort from the blessed assurance that you will see him again in heaven. May our dear Lord give you comfort, strength and His peace for each day. Love, in Christ,
Jayrene and Bill Maness
Michael & Pattie Huneycutt
Dear Susan and Family,
Praying for you at this time. May the Peace that passes understanding carry you in the days ahead.
Love in Christ,
Donnie Joe Whitley
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God wrap you in his loving arms and give you peace.
Jackie West
Susan, Please accept my and Eston’s heartfelt sympathy to you and the family for the loss of Mike. We hold dear the memories of your family at First Baptist of Albemarle. Mike’s accomplishments were many but the best was the Christian life that he led. Prayers are with you and the family during this sad time. Yours in Christ
Priscilla Dunham
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one.
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thoughts and prayers.May you take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you.
Bladen County Magistrate Office
Tommy & Judy Murrell
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad moment for you and your boys. May God bless you and comfort you.
Shaunda Williams
Susan and family, I just wanted to send my thoughts and prayers out to you. I am honored that I was given the opportunity to have gotten know all of you while working for the local bank. I know he is rejoicing in the Heavens now. I pray that in the days to come you may find some sense of peace.. God Bless you all..Shaunda
Linda Hogan
Our whole family has been saddened by your loss. We have such positive memories of the many parents’ weekends and football games where we enjoyed a meal with Michael and Susan. Our thoughts are especially with John. I know we will always follow John’s exploits and hope to stay in touch with all of you.
Andrea Lowder Steed
Susan and family,
I am holding you close in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept my condolences in your time of sorrow.
Andrea
Carlotta T. Efird
Gary & I were so sorry to hear about Michael. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Ruth Goodwin
Susan and boys,
My deepest condolences to you all, at this time. There was no finer man than Michael. He had compassion for the poor and sought justice for all as he led such an exampled life demonstrating his knowledge and philosophy to situations of poverty and fairness in life. What a way to have lived!!
You and the family shall be in my prayers and thoughts for a long, long time, and as the days come and go—rest assured that Michael W. Taylor was a truly GREAT MAN! Sincerely, Ruth Goodwin
Jean & Donnie Smith & Kimberly Alligood
Susan & family,
We are very saddened to hear of your recent loss and would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Blythe Cochran
Susan, Will, Vivian and John – I was saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. I have been thinking of your family during this time and recalling long forgotten memories of the time I spent with you. I hope you find peace in the love, kindness and compassion he showed to his fellow man. I know he will forever be in your hearts.
Richard Staton
Susan & Family, I’m both shocked and saddened to learn of Michael’s passing. He was a true friend and an honorable man as well as an appreciated customer of my insurance agency. He made the world a better place. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers
Ann Stone
Susan,
I was so sorry to learn of Michael’s passing. I have sweet memories of times together at your house on Club Boulevard those many years ago. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Ann Stone
Jonathan Maxwell
Susan and family,
I was very sorry to learn today of Mike’s passing. In my interactions and dealings with Mike over the years, I had nothing but the highest regard and respect for him, both as an attorney and man. Although he had many talents and interests, it was obvious to me that his family was the most important thing in his life.
At county attorney conferences, I always sought him out and looked forward to his words of wisdom and calm optimism. The autographed well-written civil war books by Mike remain among my treasured possessions. I wish you all comfort at this difficult time, secure in the knowledge that we are all better for having had him in our lives.
Jonathan Maxwell
Guilford County Attorney retired
Kenneth Swain
Dear Judge Taylor,
We are so, so sorry to have learned of your husnad’s passing. We hope any pain or sorrow you and your children have endured is outweighed by the joy connected to a life of love, devotion, service, family, friendship, worship and charity. Robin and I wish you the greatest peace of heart and piece of mind as you heal. The kind thoughts and prayers of so many from across our great state is testament to your husband’s and your family’s positive and everlasting impact.
Much love and support,
Ken & Robin