In Loving Memory of Ward Taylor
February 22, 1936 – May 21, 2025

Born in his grandparents’ family farmhouse in Antrim County, Michigan on February 22, 1936, to Lloyd Hawley Taylor and M. Arlene (Gibbard) Taylor, Ward Elmer Taylor was a child of the depression era, but he lived a life shaped by creativity, craftsmanship, and a deep passion for design. His keen eye for aesthetics and functionality found expression in his work as a designer and graphic artist, leaving his creative mark on the people and communities he cared about.

Early in his career, Ward was an art teacher, sharing his knowledge and passion for art with students. His belief in the power of artistic expression – and that truth is found in art -helped shape many lives. He saw creativity not just as a skill, but as a way to understand the world, uncover meaning, and express something deeply personal. His influence surely remained with his students long after they left his class.

Ward drew inspiration from the life and philosophy of Frank Lloyd Wright, embracing the idea that design should be both beautiful and purposeful. His love for architecture and elegant craftsmanship was reflected in everything he created, merging form and function in ways that were both timeless and innovative.

Beyond art and architecture, Ward had an enduring fascination with automobiles, a passion shared by his uncles. He deeply appreciated classic cars, from his uncle Stan’s Model T’s to more recent examples of automotive history. He was lucky enough to own his dream car, a 1954 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, and he loved to talk about how it was a masterpiece of automotive design that embodied so many innovations.

Another of Ward’s great passions was photography. He often found himself behind the camera, capturing moments with a thoughtful eye and an appreciation for the world’s details. Yet, despite his talent for preserving beauty through the lens, he preferred to remain unseen, rarely stepping in front of the camera himself. His photographs told his story in a candid, yet deeply expressive way.

Dad was also an artist in the kitchen, a perfectionist in everything from omelets to sourdough bread to pizza crust. Cooking wasn’t just a skill for him – it was an act of study and creation, a way to nourish both body and soul. His influence reached far beyond the tangible creations he left behind—he instilled a love of cars and gourmet foods in his children and grandchildren, passing down his appreciation for beauty, craftsmanship, and the simple joy of cooking and sharing a well-prepared meal. Some of my most treasured moments with him were spent in the quiet magic of Saturday mornings – cuddling close, the smell of coffee and omelets, and watching Scooby-Doo together. It was in those moments that dad became my very first best friend.

Above all, he was a devoted father and grandfather. He adored his family and cherished every moment spent with them. He taught all of us the game of chess, imparting both strategy and patience – lessons that went far beyond the board. He found special joy in drawing with his children and grandchildren, turning their imaginative ideas into vibrant, hand-sketched characters. He turned wishes into drawings – whether superheroes, cars, cartoons, stickers, or caricatures, he had a gift for bringing dreams to life on paper. His love for storytelling, artistry, and his family was bound together in these moments, woven into the memories that we will all cherish forever.

Ward and his beloved wife, Jayne, shared a love of wine, food, coffee, family, and travel, savoring life’s pleasures together. Jayne was the perfect counterpoint to his personality – an outgoing person who always spoke her mind, a vibrant force of nature to complement his quiet strength. Their love of travel took them to the places that fed their passions—Napa Valley when Ward wanted to immerse himself in wine tasting, and Provence when they longed to explore the depths of French food and wine. Summers were filled with laughter and adventure as they hosted “Grampa and Ya-Ya camp,” a treasured tradition for their grandchildren. Zoo visits, amusement parks, and family miniature golf extravaganzas created lasting memories that their grandchildren will hold onto forever.

He is survived by his children: Jeff, Ian, and Lindsay, his daughters-in-law Alejandra and Chelsie, and by his beloved grandchildren: Zoe, Sean, Isaac, Eli, Caroline, Alexander, Zack, and Harris. He was preceded in death by Jayne and his brother, Ron.

Ward’s quiet but dry humor often masked his generous heart, but those who truly knew him understood that beneath the wit was a man whose love for his family and friends ran deep. His presence was steady, his kindness unspoken yet ever-present, and his loyalty unwavering.

Ward’s legacy lives on in the designs he shaped, the students he taught, and, most importantly, the love and friendships he shared. His family, friends, students, and colleagues will forever cherish the memories of a man who saw the world not just as it was, but as it could be—ingenious, purposeful, and full of possibility.

An online obituary can be found at www.mackiefh.com.

Mackie Funeral Service and Cremations is assisting the family.

*A gathering of family and friends will be at the Olde Hickory Station, Saturday June  7, 2025 from 3:00-5:00 pm.  The address is 232 government Ave. SW, Hickory, NC 28602.