Matthew Taylor was born May 27, 1942 in Robeson County to the late James Wilson Taylor and Annie Bell Parnell Taylor. In addition to his parents, Matthew was also preceded in death by one daughter, Debra White, one sister and eleven brothers.

He was educated at Southside High School in Rowland, North Carolina. He served in the United States Army with duty stations of Ft. Benning, GA and Frankfurt, Germany and upon discharge, settled in Greensboro, NC. He married the love of his life, Gloria Butler Taylor on August 21, 1967 and had two daughters, Cassandra Taylor and Veronica Taylor Nelson.

Matthew retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 42 years where he was employed as a mail handler. During his commitment, he received multiple commendations for special achievements and perfect attendance. Additionally, he pursued a degree in heating and air conditioning at Guilford Technical Community College in Jamestown, North Carolina.

Matthew enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren immeasurably in addition to the bonus children who came into his life through family and friends. He had a strong interest in muscle cars, maintaining his yard, and watching westerns. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys football fan and enjoyed planting collards, tomatoes and corn in the backyard of his home. He proudly supported the Southside School Alumni Association and was a member of the American Legion.

Matthew was affectionately known by many as “Wicky”. He was talkative occasionally, forever humorous, constantly impulsive and continuously playful. Although he faced a multitude of health challenges, such as cancer, stroke, atrial fibrillation, hypertension and diabetes, he carried it with a quiet strength, smiling through fatigue or nodding when pain was present. His resilience was steady and modest. One incredible commitment that he was humble about is that he achieved 30 years of sobriety with Alcoholics Anonymous. He had a humble way of being generous, supportive and helpful to family and friends that made him appreciated and adored. We gather today, not because he died but because he lived and he had an impact on everyone he encountered whether it was a brief moment or a lifetime bond.

Heaven’s gates opened for Matthew Taylor on August 27, 2025 where he was surrounded by his devoted family. God whispered, “Peace Be Thine”, and the angels gave him wings, with his dedicated wife, Gloria and his daughters lovingly by his side. He was loved very dearly and was surrounded by a caring and adoring family who will miss him very much. Matthew leaves to cherish his memory, his dedicated wife of 58 years: Gloria B. Taylor of the home, daughters: Cassandra Taylor of Greensboro, and Veronica (James) Nelson of Greensboro, grandchildren: Vincent Lewis Jr. of Greensboro, and Vershaun (Marquez) James of Greensboro, great grandchildren: Jeremiah James of Greensboro and Aubree James of Kathleen, GA, Sister: Bobby Ann (Bishop Leroy) Chandler, Brother: William (Gladys) Taylor, Special nieces: Linda Ashby, Tyronia Morrison Smith, Latonia Mapp King, Cameron Womack and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in the Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home Chapel located at 909 East Market Street in Greensboro, North Carolina 27401. Visitation will be held prior at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park, 3600 N O'Henry Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27405.