Clayton Taylor,

Clayton Taylor, 71, of Morganton took his heavenly flight on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 while surrounded by his family.  Born in Burke County, NC on May 26, 1947, he was the son of the late Luther Dale and Annie Azalee Taylor Icard.  Clayton was an active member of Zion Baptist Church where he served as chairman of the Fellowship Hall Committee.  He loved to cook and organized several fundraisers for the church and many other organizations in the community.  He was engaged with the Freedom High School Booster Club as well as Oak Hill Junior High School and Table Rock Middle School.  Clayton also participated in the Sheriff Barbecue every year.  He was a fan of NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt.  Along with his wife, Clayton owned and operated Minit Saver Store on 181 until his retirement in 2007 after 33 years.

Mr. Taylor is survived by his wife of 50 years, Vickie Miller Taylor of the home; daughter, Nicole VanHarken and husband, David of Morganton; granddaughter and love of his life, Taylor VanHarken; siblings, Shirley Taylor and boyfriend, Nathan Chapman, Dean Icard and wife, Vickie, and Delores Cook and husband, Tony, all of Morganton; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a fellow employee who he thought of as family, Jeff Landers.

In addition to his parents, Clayton was preceded in death by his step-father, Odell Icard.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Zion Baptist Church.  A celebration of Clayton’s life will follow at 2 p.m. in the church with the Revs. Keith Rose, Steven Collins, and Douglas St. John officiating.  Entombment will follow in the church columbarium.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Baptist Church Building Fund, 3394 Pea Ridge Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.