Charles Jerry Taylor

Charles Jerry Taylor was born in Mount Airy, North Carolina, on May 25, 1942, to Carl James Taylor and Christine Kemp Mayberry. He was called both Charles and Jerry. He is the second of four very spirited boys. He attended school in Mt. Airy, enjoyed many things, but none more than cars. He had a gift for knowing how they worked and loved building them and trying to make them go faster, building his first vehicle, a cart of sorts, at the age of 10 out of a wagon and a lawn-mower engine.

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He served a mission in 1962 to Argentina for 2 ½ years; then taught Spanish at the LTM in Provo, UT.

Jerry met Candy Hansen at BYU in November of 1964. They married in May 1966 in the Salt Lake Temple. During their 56 years together, they were blessed with eight children, 33 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War at Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Oahu, HI. Both he and Candy enjoyed their 4 years there, making life-long friends and sharing the gospel.

Jerry’s greatest sources of joy in life were the Lord and his family. His life was one of sacrifice and service to all those who knew him. He brought joy wherever he went, always endeavoring to make people feel better for knowing him.

He loved serving in the Mount Timpanogos Temple for 23 years and made wonderful friendships there.

Jerry’s focus in life was sharing his testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Gospel with his children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. He wanted more than anything for each of his family members to have their own testimony of the Savior. We are certain he is carrying on the work of spreading the gospel.

In January 2022, Jerry was diagnosed with Metastatic Melanoma. During his illness, he was ministered to by his wife, Candy, who provided remarkable, continuous, angelic service. His faith never wavered, and he constantly endeavored to uplift all who came to visit. He was a joyful light and made everyone around him feel loved. We will watch for his continued influence in our lives as we also go forward in faith, anticipating a grand, future reunion.

Jerry was preceded in death by His parents, Carl and Chris Taylor, His in-laws, Wendell and LaVon Hansen, grandson, Parker Charles Taylor, Brothers-in-law Randy and Bruce Hansen, and sisters-in-law Anne S. Taylor, Cindy Carson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Claudia Hansen Taylor, brothers, Carl Todd Taylor (Anne), Michael Kemp Taylor (Penny), Peter Randy Taylor, children, Kelly Taylor, Todd Wendell Taylor (Jane), Brandon Cory Taylor (Shannon), Holli Christine Gunther (Philip), Shea Randall Taylor (Heather), Zachary Carl Taylor (Aimee), Jacob Hansen Taylor (Andrea), and Candace Taylor Shelton (Judd).

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, January 11th, 2023 from 6pm – 8pm. The funeral will be held Thursday, January 12th, 2023 at 11am. Both services will be at the American Fork 34th Ward Chapel on the corner of 1100 East and 400 North in American Fork, Utah.