Being a winner either way, if he went or if he stayed, Lawrence Wayne Taylor, 75, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, after his battle with cancer, at his home. He was an avid U.K. basketball fan, a Mountain Master of Quilting and a devout servant of God.  His final years, before his retirement, were spent in maintenance at the Harlan Campus of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College where he was known for hard work, kindness and humor. He was a member of the Victory Baptist Church which he helped in the building of the church. He was also the song leader for many years and used his gift of voice to sing praises to God. Lawrence is remembered for his love for his family and being a true gentleman.

Those who went on before him are his parents, Dillard and Ruby Laws Taylor; three brothers, Roy, Carl and Donnie Taylor; and two sisters, Della Pace and Anna Faye Fee.

Those left to mourn his passing include his loving wife of 17 years, Jackie Taylor, Closplint; a son, Paul Taylor and wife, Ashley, and his granddaughter, Hailee, all of Rosspoint; a step-son and step-daughter, whom he treated as his own, Matthew Wynn, Lexington; and Rebecca Gross and husband, James, Corbin; two sisters, Loretta Freeman and husband, Rodney; and Shirley Farmer and husband, Bradley, all of Kenvir; Donnie Taylor and wife, Melanie, and grandchildren, Jacob, Carrie and John Paul; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Visitation will be held at the Victory Baptist Church on Friday, April 12, 2024, from 5 pm until the funeral hour at 7 pm. Pastor Rodney Freeman and Associate Pastor William "Chick" Kelly will officiate.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 11 am at the Evarts Memorial Gardens with Paul Taylor, Matthew Wynn, James Gross, Philip Freeman, Bill Blevins and Joe Freeman serving as pallbearers. Everyone is asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:45 am.

Evarts Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Lawrence Wayne Taylor.