MURFREESBORO – Raymond Hargus Taylor, age 85, passed away on October 30, 2016, at Vidant Roanoke Chowan Hospital of Ahoskie, NC

Dr. Taylor was born in Bell County, KY, on October 4, 1931, a son of the late Clyde C. and Edna Turner Taylor. Hargus was a 1949 graduate of Middlesboro High School in Kentucky. After high school he received AA degree from Cumberland College in 1951, his BA degree from Carson Newman College in 1953, a BD degree and his ThD from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in ’56 and ’61.

In 1954, Hargus married the love of his life, Doris Tittsworth in Knoxville Tennessee.  From this union, two children were born of whom they are very proud.

During his career, he served as minister for several churches before serving as Chaplain and other various capacities at Chowan University, including serving as Chairman of the Department of Religion & Philosophy from 1991-1999. Hargus was especially proud of his time as Academic Advisor to the Chowan Men’s Basketball Team during Bob Burke’s coaching tenure.

Hargus and Doris were longtime members of Murfreesboro Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, teacher of the Adult Men’s Sunday School Class and member of the Chancel Choir, as well as many other various committees.  They are both active in Hertford County Habitat for Humanity, of which he was a founding member.  Dr. Taylor’s interest in historical research, writing, music, and genealogical research led him to write and publish several church histories, all of which he was very proud.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Doris Tittsworth Taylor; his son, Warren Taylor, and wife, Lisa of Indian Trail, NC; his daughter, Marcia Thompson and husband, Philip of Sioux Falls, SD; a granddaughter, Jessica Longino and husband, Walter of Indian Trail, NC; and four grandsons, William Taylor and wife, Kelly of Indian Trail, NC, and Nathanael Thompson, Andrew Thompson and Matthew Thompson, all of Sioux Falls, SD.  Also surviving are two sisters, Sylvia Arnett of Cumberland Gap, TN, and Teresa Dodson and husband, Cliff of Asheville, NC; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Murfreesboro Baptist Church, with Dr. Philip Thompson, Rev. Joe Clontz, and Rev. Mari Wiles, officiating.  Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery with visitation after the committal at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be made directly to The Hargus and Doris Taylor Scholarship Fund, Chowan University Development Office, or directly to Murfreesboro Baptist Church or you may donate online to these organizations by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search, type Hargus Taylor

Garrett Sykes Memorial Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Taylor family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.