Aubrey “Piney” Taylor, 81, of Buena Vista died Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.

PINEY TAYLOR

Aubrey “Piney” Taylor, 81, of Buena Vista died Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.  

Born Oct. 3, 1941, in Amherst County, he was a son of the late Aubrey S. Taylor and Mary Margaret Southers Taylor.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Ernest “Buck” Taylor, Walter S. Taylor and Robert “Bobby” Taylor; and four sisters, Virginia Taylor, Della Noel, Peggy Higgins and Joanne McNeil.  

Surviving is his loving wife of 56 years, Shirley Moran Taylor; devoted daughters, Melissa Ayers (Jobie Coleman) and Elizabeth “Jake” Taylor (David Sorrells); a son, Aubrey Taylor Jr. (Sandy); four grandchildren, Michael Ayers (Sierra), Courtney Ayers (Joey Hall), Ashley Taylor and Cassie Taylor; and great-grandchildren, Aubree and Gaitlin Ayers.  He is also survived by sister, Patsy Tolley (Steve); and in-laws, Mary Dorey (Jerry), Robbie Taylor, Edna Moran and Kenny Moran (Brenda).  

Piney worked at REA Wire and Everbrite until his retirement.  After retirement he continued his lifelong work of being a Trail Angel for the Appalachian Trail where he encountered people from all over the world; his knowledge of the Blue Ridge Mountains was legendary among the AT hikers.  He enjoyed trout fishing, playing cards with his longtime friends and a lifetime of collecting conversation pieces from auction sales.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, at Bolling, Grose & Lotts Funeral Chapel by the Rev. W. David Bain.

Charitable contributions can be made to local Appalachian Trail chapters or the American Red Cross.

Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.