Dear Betsy, Thank you for letting me know about Raymond. He was a wonderful person and helped me so much during my career with the Court. Honest, witty, intelligent but most of all--dependable. He was a man of his word. He loved you and those three boys like no other grandfather I knew. He was certainly proud of you and often commented on how he didn't know how you taught school and raised the three boys. Please stay in touch. Your parents meant so much to us. susanfowens@yahoo.com

I've known Raymond all my life, as my mother and Rachel were childhood friends and remained very close until Rachel's passing a few years back. Raymond made a point of staying in touch with my mother, and I would even get the occasional call about a special piece of music he'd heard that he wanted to pass along to her. Raymond was someone you could sit and listen to for a good while - so engaging, bright, friendly and down to earth. As I grew older, Raymond was always someone that I looked up to and respected a great deal - and I always looked forward to visiting he and Rachel in Raleigh, usually around the holidays. My mother's health isn't the best now, and I know she wanted to be at the services for Raymond, but she just can't travel. She cherished her relationship with both Rachel and Raymond - as they did with her. I just wanted to take a moment and let the family know that we are thinking of them, and that they are in our prayers. Roger Philyaw

I worked for Raymond the summer before I entered law school at UNC. He mentored and inspired me. What a remarkable man! He left a lasting impression on me . I have always strived to be a better person and lawyer because of him. Prayers and condolences to his family and friends.

Many good memories of your family, Betsy

Mr. Taylor was an inspiration. He taught me Business Law at NC State as a student. I enjoyed the class,. I enjoyed him more. His first words to me were, "Mr. Peele , I see you come form God`s Country." A Beaufort County native I am. The world is a better place because of all the lives he touched, especially mine. I am sorry for your loss, yet I encourage you to look eternally to a bright wonderful future in Jesus!! May Our Father bless.....

Raymond Taylor was a wonderful teacher and mentor. While I was a senior at NC State, I enrolled in his Monday evening business law course to avoid working at the Student Supply Bar! How little did I know he would turn a dry subject matter into a fascinating introduction to law and jurisprudence. He is the reason I went to law school. I am forever grateful to Mr. Taylor for sharing his gift of making potentially boring material into an inspirational and stimulating subject. When he was the NC Supreme Court Marshal and Librarian, he took the time to talk with me about all kinds of legal matters. I will never forget the difference he made in my career. Bill Hale

Raymond has been a special friend forever! He was my campaign manager for student body president in high school. Due to his multiple organizational talents and ability to sway a large audience, he was responsible for electing the first ever female to this position! And so it was for his entire life, in high school, college, and later in his chosen profession. He quietly did for others and was a sterling example of both personal and professional ethics. Always first in his life were his beloved parents, wife, and daughter. He will be greatly missed, but those of us who knew him have been greatly blessed.

Lit a candle in memory of Raymond Mason Taylor

First off, Betsy my apologies for my not knowing of your father's passing. Raymond was admired and respected by many people. I took his business law class at State before entering law school at Wake Forest...I'm like Mr. Peele herein who quoted him as saying that "I see you're from God's country..." myself being a native and rersident of Martin County, in Williamston, which is next to Bear Grass (both suberbs of Beaufort County) where many of Raymond's "Taylor" cousins hailed from. Another of his many valuable and favorite quotations, which is so applicable today, was "A little bit of learning is a dangerous thing." He was a great teacher and an inspiration to all students who crossed his path. The memory of his sense of humor and his intelligence will be something I will always value.