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DURHAM - Harold James Taylor, Jr. entered eternal life on March 30, 2021. Harold was born to Harold James Taylor, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Grant in Detroit, MI on January 6, 1925. He served as Signalman First Class during WWII aboard LST 560 from January 1943 until the end of the war, returning home in 1946.
Harold married the love of his life, Mary Frances Law on May 1, 1948. While raising a young family, Harold attended the University of Detroit and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business. Harold worked as a purchasing director and owned a Dunkin’ Donuts in Lansing MI. He retired and moved with Mary to Durham, NC.
Harold was the consummate family man and devout Roman Catholic. He was entirely devoted to his wife of 66 years and would do anything for his 3 children. Harold built the family’s first Heathkit color TV, installed central air in the house and fixed anything that broke. He loved Manhattans, music (especially Frank Sinatra) doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku. He planned family vacations all over the United States and later traveled the world with Mary. He enjoyed over 35 cruises with Mary, often including his children and grandchildren. Harold loved to talk and would captivate listeners with stories of the war and his travels.
Harold was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary in 2014, his parents, sister Mary Elizabeth and brother Stanley. Surviving him are his loving daughters, Roseanne Mary (William) Smith and Mary Frances Chaliman and a son, James Francis Taylor, 8 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held 2:00 PM April 5, 2021 at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Fr. Robert Rutledge will preside.
The Taylor family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com; select obituaries.