Charles Granville Taylor Sr., 92, of Statesville, N.C., passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 25, 2023. He was born into a farming family in Brazil, Miss., on October 31, 1930. The youngest son of John J. and Vera Elsie Tinnon Taylor had many stories of farm life during the Depression. He enjoyed school, especially math, and graduated from West Tallahatchie High School in 1949.

Charles was drafted into the Army in 1951. After basic training, he was assigned to Artillery Training in Fort Sill, Okla. As a member of the 82nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battery C 2nd Infantry Division attached to the 39th Field Artillery, he would see action at the 38th parallel. Charles would be moved to the position of Supply Sergeant and completed his service in 1952.

He married Nellie Savage of Sumner, Miss., on October 19, 1952. They moved to Memphis, Tenn., to start their lives together. Guitarist Scottie Moore was a neighbor and friend. Charles watched rehearsals and attended many of Elvis’ early concerts.

Charles worked for Sealy Mattress Memphis and would remain in the mattress and textile industry until his retirement. He had many talents, including singing, art, sewing, upholstery, woodworking, car repair, and pranking. He would eventually relocate to Texas for a couple of years and then North Carolina, where he would make a forever home. He felt no need to leave when blessed with the best neighbors and friends. He enjoyed cooking sweets, especially brownies he enjoyed gifting to others. He was known to dote on family pets and stray animals looking for a handout.

He enjoyed traveling. Family vacations were like a history class. He would continue taking his grandson on trips all over the country.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 69 years; his parents; sister, Frances Odie Ree Goldman; brothers, Aberlene Taylor and Robert L. Taylor; and stepgrandson, J.J. Harrelson.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Charles Taylor Jr. of Statesville; daughter, Debra Harrelson (Mike) of Columbus, Ga.; grandson, Jake Harrelson of Columbus, Ga.; and stepgranddaughter, Kasey Harrelson Lyttle (Dean) and her children of Sun City, Ariz.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.