Noah Ray Taylor

Noah Ray Taylor, a beloved husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2025, at the age of 89 after succumbing to a stroke. Born on December 5, 1935, in Kingsport, Tennessee, Ray was the son of Walter Ray Taylor and Mary Rosa Ammons Taylor.

On February 14, 1957, Ray married the love of his life, Betty Jane Helton Taylor. Their marriage was a testament to love and partnership until Betty's passing in 2007. Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, and community in East Tennessee.

Ray was drafted into the United States Army on July 10, 1958, serving his country with pride. During his service, he worked on Merritt Island, contributing his skills and dedication before returning home to Kingsport in the late 1960s. It was there that Ray and Betty opened Taylor's Air Conditioning, a family business that became a trusted name in the community for many years.

A man of many passions, Ray had a lifelong love for motorcycles. From his early days riding in the 1940's to cruising on his beloved Honda Goldwing, he found freedom and joy on the open road. Over the years, he owned several motorcycles, each one holding a special place in his heart.

Ray's legacy is carried on by his loving family. He is survived by his daughter, Teri Armstrong of Hayden, Alabama; his daughter in-law, Jennifer Taylor, of Kingsport, his grandchildren, Dawn Queener (Robert) of Rockwood, Tiffany Marshall (John) of Knoxville, Roger Armstrong of Kingsport, Joshua Armstrong of Hayden, Alabama, Derrick Armstrong of Hayden, Alabama, Desiree Armstrong of Hayden, Alabama, and John Taylor of Kingsport; and his great-grandchildren, Ethan and Drew Queener, Austin Marshall, Ollie and Eli Armstrong, Baylor Dan Butler, and Ezekiel Armstrong, Nieces Leah Omweg and Carla Hovis Slack and Nephew Lee Hovis. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Betty Jane Taylor; his parents, Walter Ray Taylor and Mary Ammons Taylor; his sister, Carolyn Jane Hovis and her husband, his brother in-law, Charles Hovis, his sons, Billy Ray Taylor and Tony Dale Taylor; his son in-law, Daniel David Armstrong and his great-granddaughter, Gracie Armstrong.

Ray will be remembered for his hard work, kind spirit, and the countless lives he touched through his business, his love of family, and his passion for living life to its fullest. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, love, and adventure that will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

A family grave side service in celebration of Ray's life will be held in the Last Supper at Oak Hill Cemetery in Kingsport, TN on Friday, March 21st, 2025 at 3:00pm, where family will gather to honor his memory and the remarkable life he lived.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.