Taylor Thorne

Taylor Theophilus Thorne, age 93, died on January 24th, 2018. Mr. Thorne was born on February 26th, 1924. the son of the late Spencer T. Thorne and Anne Cox Thorne. He was preceded in death by his brothers Dr. Edward Young Cox Thorne, Charles Ellington Thorne, Spencer T. Thorne, Jr., and sister Sarah T. Connelly. Taylor went to Rocky Mount High School and went on to complete his Bachelor’s Degree at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While in college, he played for the Carolina Tarheels Basketball Team from 1946-48. The team went on to play in the 1946 NCAA Finals in New York under coach Bob Carnevale. Taylor was the recipient of the 1948 Foy Roberson Award, which is presented to the most inspirational player that was voted upon by his teammates and coaches. In addition, he played college softball and was on the All State North Carolina 1949 Softball Team. After graduating from college, he was a controller for a dairy co-op. He worked until he was 85. During World War II, he served in the 8th Air Force with a B-24 Bomber Group at Seething Air Force Base in England from November 1943 until June 1945. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 6 in Chapel Hill. Taylor was an active member of the University United Methodist Church where he held many offices, including sitting on the Board of Trustees. He is survived by his wife Elise (Rhyne), daughters Nancy (Williams) and Jennifer (Mitchell), grandchildren Jennifer (Harriett) and John Taylor (Mitchell), niece Celia (Rosemond), and many other nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 26, 2018 at 2:00pm in Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery, Legion Road. Officiating will be Rev. Justin Coleman and Rev. Bill Gettis. Flowers are welcome and appreciated or donations can be made to a charity of your choice.