Graham E. Taylor, 84, of Port Royal, passed away at 4:30 PM on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at Locust Grove Retirement Village, Mifflin.
Born on February 3, 1939, in Spruce Hill Twp., Juniata County, he is a son of the late Chauncey Sr. and Pearl (McCormick) Taylor.
On January 26, 1957, he married his surviving wife, Betty L. (Weaver) Taylor with whom he was blessed to share over 66 years of marriage before his passing.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Larry A. Taylor and his wife Cheryl of Port Royal, Pamela J. “Penny” Harpster of McAlisterville, and Denise A. Poorman and her husband Rich Jr. of Bellefonte; five grandchildren, Jennifer Willy and spouse, Shania Taylor, Jordan Taylor, Kyle Poorman and his wife Kristin, and Kody Poorman; five great grandchildren, Gavin Willy, Kieran Willy, Braelynn Shawver, Paisley Poorman, Keaton Poorman, and one on the way; one brother, Robert Taylor and his wife Fran of Anderson, SC; and many generations of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter in law, Cindy Taylor; one granddaughter, Kathy Taylor; one grandson, Derek Taylor; and eight siblings, James Taylor Sr., Jack Taylor, Chauncey Taylor Jr., Helen Goshorn, Kenneth Taylor Sr., David Taylor, Richard Taylor, and Ronald Taylor.
Mr. Taylor co-owned Gra-Ter Industries in Beavertown for over 20 years and also worked alongside his son, Larry, at Taylor Service Center in Port Royal.
Racing was Graham’s passion for over 62 years and belonged to many racing associations such as IHRA, WDRA, SBRA, ARCA, NASCAR, and the Central Penn Racing Association. He raced in many different divisions and series such as Modifieds, Sprints, Late Models, Limited Late Models, Hobby, ARCA Series, the Winston Cup Series in NASCAR, Drag Cars, and was a fixture at Beaver Springs Dragway, Port Royal Speedway, and Selinsgrove Speedway.
In addition to his love of racing, he also enjoyed hunting, where he was a Hunting Guide in Wyoming for seven years.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from the Beaver Springs Dragway, 109 Race Track Lane, Beaver Springs with Pastor Kenneth Kitzmiller officiating. Interment will be private.
A viewing will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of the funeral services at 11:00 AM on Tuesday at Beaver Springs Dragway.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Taylor’s memory can be made to DRAW (Drag Racing Association of Women), 4 Hance Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 100 Bridge St., Mifflintown.