Clyde James "Jay" Taylor

ALEXANDER - Clyde James “Jay” Taylor, 86, of Alexander, NC, died in his home on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Maggie Taylor Hollifield; father, Glenn Price; his grandparents, who reared him, William and Mary Taylor; siblings, Sandra Hollifield Penland and Roger Hollifield; son-in-law, Michael Bowling; and nephews, Douglas Norton and Scotty Jay Hollifield.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kay Sluder Taylor; daughters, Tonya Taylor Waites (Danny) and Tammy Taylor Bowling; grandchildren, Taylor DeMaar (Erin), Morgan DeMaar, Julian Bowling and Emma Bowling; great-grandchildren, Chandler DeMaar, Jay DeMaar and Emmett DeMaar; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was blessed to have a large family who loved him and were part of his life. He was an active member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Alexander, NC.

Jay graduated from Sand Hill High School in Asheville, NC and from Colorado School of Trades in Denver, graduating with a degree in Gunsmithing. He was a well-respected master gunsmith for more than 50 years and owned a sporting goods store and gun shop. He was a farmer, retired postal worker and avid hunter.  He served in the US Naval Reserves and was a regular Army soldier, serving in Europe and Vietnam. He received many accolades and medals while in service. He received two Purple Hearts for wounds in combat, a Medal of Commendation and many other medals from both the United States Army and the South Vietnam Army. He lived every day fully.

His funeral service will be held at 2:30 pm Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville. Pastor Howard Self and Rev. Darrell Webb will officiate. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory, Asheville.

The family will receive friends 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Monday, May 16, 2022, at the funeral home.

For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Taylor’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com