Elbert Carl Taylor

Elbert Carl Taylor, 85, of Advance, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, with family by his side. He left behind a life full of love, hard work, and deep devotion to the people who mattered most.

Born on March 12, 1940, in Rock, West Virginia, Carl was the son of the late David Gordon and Nancy Grose Taylor. He graduated from Athens High School in 1958 and carried a strong work ethic and a sense of independence that would define the rest of his life.

In 1962, Carl married his best friend and the love of his life, Geraldean “Gerry” Taylor. This past November, they celebrated 62 years of marriage surrounded by the family they built together. Carl and Gerry raised two daughters and built a home and a legacy deeply rooted in commitment, resilience, and teamwork. His dedication to his family was unwavering, and his love for them was boundless.

Carl’s career started in hydraulics, a trade he picked up from his brother-in-law. Over time, that knowledge turned into several successful businesses, including Taylor Hydraulics in Virginia and the well-known Magnum Auto Wash locations in North Carolina. Carl's work ethic was unparalleled, and he passed that on to his daughters and grandchildren. Whether rebuilding a hydraulic pump, expanding a car wash, or mentoring a family member, he poured himself into whatever he was doing. He was a hands-on businessman who believed in showing up early, staying late, and doing the job right.

Carl was also a passionate traveler. During his time with Wallace Van & Storage, he crisscrossed the country and visited all 48 continental states, collecting stories and memories along the way. His adventurous spirit and love for exploration were evident in every journey he undertook.

More than anything, Carl was a family man. He is survived by his loving wife, Gerry Taylor; daughters, Carla Kazimar (Mike) and Leisa Denti (Matthew); and twelve grandchildren who adored him, Alex Taylor, Jared Kazimar, Bryanna Denti, Cerise Gibson (Rick), Kelseigh Simerly (Jonathon), Ein Denti (Katy), Cortlan Denti (Addison), Cierra Shook, Jackson Denti, Mitchell Denti, Lucinda Denti, and Dominic Denti. He also leaves behind eleven great-grandchildren, Donovan, Jacob, Gavin, Analeigh, Leah, Anaya, Scarlet, Mila, Everly, Emery, and Matilda; as well as a wide circle of extended family, friends, and former coworkers who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David Gordon and Nancy Grose Taylor; and by his siblings, Leonard Taylor, Edna Rogers, Betty Joseph, David Taylor, Eunice Cline, and Bobby Taylor.

Carl will be remembered for his strength, sharp wit, deep loyalty, and pride in a job well done. He built a life from the ground up, and his legacy will live on in the stories, businesses, and family he leaves behind.

A funeral service will be held at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m.

To celebrate Carl’s life and legacy, a Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from at The Farmhouse at Gemini Branch in Mocksville, North Carolina. All family and friends are warmly invited to attend.

In place of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Advance Fire Department, 1869 NC Highway 801 South, Advance, NC 27006. Please note the gift is in memory of Elbert Carl Taylor.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Yellow Butterfly Home Care of Mocksville and Trellis Supportive Care of Winston-Salem for their compassionate and professional care during Carl’s final days. Their support brought comfort and peace to both Carl and his loved ones.