Walter J. Taylor

Highlands, NC- Walter J. Taylor, age 88, of Highlands passed away Sunday, November 13, 2011 at Fidelia Eckerd Nursing Home, Highlands, North Carolina. He was born November 8, 1923 in Staten Island, New York to Walter J. and Ellefair Crunkleton Taylor, and had made Highlands, North Carolina his home for the past 37 years. He was valedictorian of Curtis High School graduating class of 1942, Staten Island, New York. Upon completing Maritime and Electronics schools, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Coast Guard in 1944. A veteran of WWII, he retired as a lieutenant from the United States Maritime service in 1969.

Walter was a trustee and founding director of the Scottish Tartan’s Museum of Franklin, North Carolina, serving from its inception in 1989 until July 2010. He was a member of the Veteran Wireless Operators Association, the Society of Wireless Pioneers, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, the Scottish Tartans Society, the Scottish American Military Society, the American Legion and the Highlands Lions Club.

Surviving are his wife, Catherine Patterson Taylor; daughters, Dianne A. Taylor of Asheville, NC, Melinda T. Musumarra and husband Paul of Cary, NC; step-son, James T. Vinson and wife Karen of Fort Mill, SC, and stepdaughters, Margaret V. Bryson of Fort Mill, SC and Sandra K. Vinson of Highlands. Also surviving are four grandchildren; Mark Musumarra, Barbara Musumarra, Josh Bryson (Mandi) and Elizabeth Baker (Michael). He was preceded in death by his first wife Barbara James Taylor of Highlands, NC and a brother, John N. Taylor of Tom’s River, NJ.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Becky Chambers of Four Seasons Hospice and Jeannine LeGeyt of Fidelia Eckerd Nursing Home for their devotion and compassion to Walter during his illness. Also special appreciation is extended to Doctors Richard Olson and Patti Wheeler.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday November 15, 2011 at 11:00am at the Chapel of Bryant-Grant Funeral Home in Highlands with Dr. Charles Harris and Rev. Vic Greene officiating. The family will receive friends Monday November 14, 2011 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Bryant-Grant Funeral Home in Highlands. Burial will be in the Moravian Cemetery in Staten Island, NY. Pallbearers will be Josh Bryson, Mark Musumarra, Michael Crowe, Jeff James, Dana Gordon, Tommy James, Allen James and Michael Baker. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216 and Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Rd. Flat Rock, NC 28731.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.