Portrait of Mr. John Otis Taylor Sr.

Obituary · Roanoke, VA

Mr. John Otis Taylor Sr.

Published:

Mr. will be deeply missed by all who loved them.

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through."
— Eskimo proverb
What Mr. loved
GolfGrandchildrenFaith

After a life of love and quiet grace, Mr. John Otis Taylor Sr. of Roanoke, VA has passed.

A life is more than dates on a stone; here is a small portion of his story.

Mr. spent his working life as ['Dan River Mills and was of the Baptist faith'] and held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.

Those who live by belief leave a different kind of mark.

Mr. John Otis Taylor entered eternal rest on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia. He was born on March 25, 1941, to the late Lemuel Otis Taylor and Virginia (Apple) Taylor.

John retired from Dan River Mills and was of the Baptist faith. Golf was truly his passion-more than a pastime, it was his world, bringing him joy and a sense of connection throughout his life.

He will be remembered as a kind, loving, and generous man who touched the lives of many. His warmth and giving spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Nellie Knuckles, Betty Wyatt, Hazel Lazarus, Billy Taylor, Robert Taylor, and Linda Bray.

He is survived by his children: Jackie (Matthew) Smith of Blanch, North Carolina; David Taylor of Greensboro, North Carolina; John Taylor Jr., Donna Barley, and Nancy (Terry) Matherly, all of Danville, Virginia. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Cristin (Jared) Ashley of Reidsville, North Carolina; Melinda (Shawn) Bennett, Kaylee Smith, Ashley Wright, Brandon Barley, and Joey Taylor, all of Danville, Virginia; along with numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Celebration of life services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Redemption Road Baptist Church, 2131 NC Highway 14, Reidsville, North Carolina. Pastor Daniel Bray officiating.

Professional funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 447 Old South Main St. Danville, VA., Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Funeral Director, Elder Monica Martin, Funeral Directress (434)799-9262

Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com. "Our Family Servicing Your Family"

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Redemption Road Baptist Church, 2131 NC Highway 14, Reidsville, North Carolina. Pastor Daniel Bray officiating.

Professional funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 447 Old South Main St. Danville, VA., Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Funeral Director, Elder Monica Martin, Funeral Directress (434)799-9262

Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com. "Our Family Servicing Your Family"

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Mr. John Otis Taylor, Sr., please click here to visit our sympathy store.

Service Information

A small gesture in Mr.'s memory:

As an affiliate, we may earn a small commission from these links — at no cost to you.

Tributes & Memories

Share a memory, condolence, or story honoring Mr. John Otis Taylor Sr..

Need a starting point?

Want to honor Mr. too?

Be the first to share a memory of Mr. John Otis Taylor Sr.. Your words mean more to the family than you know.

See an error? Suggest a correction

Continue Remembering

Others remembered recently

3,757 lives remembered