Barry Scott Taylor

Scott Taylor, 72, passed away peacefully June 26, 2025, at the UNC Hospice Care after years of medical issues related to a stroke. At the time of his passing, he was a long-time resident of Raleigh and the surrounding Triad area.

Known as Scott to his friends and Scotty to his family, he was born on July 25, 1952, at the Lee County Hospital. He was a 1970 graduate of Sanford Central High School. A lifelong Carolina fan, he attended his dream college, graduating from Carolina in 1974 with a degree in political science.

Scott will be remembered for his sharp wit, his love of music (especially The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Willie Nelson) and his love for Tar Heel sports teams and the NY Yankees. Two of his prized possessions were a personally signed photo of Dean Smith and a Mickey Mantle baseball card. Some of the funniest family stories involve his childhood escapades, including his insistence on wearing his cowboy outfit and hat 24/7 and blaming his imaginary friend Possey-Dossey for any mischief.

He is proceeded in death by his father, Drewry Branch “DB” Taylor, Jr., and his mother Rachel Marshall Taylor. He is survived by his sister, Karla Taylor Koballa, of Sanford; his nephew Michael Koballa (Katie) of Greensboro, and their children Hazel and Holden; and numerous cousins.

The family would like to extend a special note of gratitude to Scott’s lifelong friends, Butch and Mike Faucette and Tony Patton, for their unwavering support and assistance throughout his life, especially the kindness shown to his sister for the last several years.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to Gideons International, Lee County Animal Shelter, or a charity of your choice.

A private graveside service will led by Dr. Sam Roach of First Baptist Church of Sanford at 11:00 on Saturday, July 19, at the Buffalo Cemetery. All attendees should dress casually and feel free to wear their own Carolina fanwear or in light blue (anything but Duke blue).