Larry Thomas Taylor, 84, of Christiansburg, went home to be with the Lord Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 at The Westmont at Short Pump in Glen Allen.
Born in Woodruff, S.C., son of the late Harold Thomas Taylor and Elberta Hope Taylor. He graduated from Taylors High School, received a B.S. and Ph.D at Clemson University, and Post Doctoral at Ohio State University.
As Professor and Department Chair of the Chemistry Department at Virginia Tech, Larry provided outstanding leadership, service, and research. He taught thousands of students, was well published, and made hundreds of presentations around the world. He is the recipient of many awards for achievements in the chemical profession and offered a vast knowledge of research support, patents, and programs. He was bestowed Professor Emeritus from Virginia Tech, after a 40-year career and also worked for NASA Langley Research Center.
Larry was also very involved with his church, mission work, and multiple charities, including the Salvation Army and Kiwanis Club. He founded the Blacksburg Shelter Home in 1971 and served as President for 30 years. He taught Sunday School at Blacksburg Baptist Church for 40 years and served on multiple committees and was a Deacon.
He loved crabbing, tennis, dancing, and was an enthusiastic Hokie sports fan.
He is survived by his wife, Gail Moss Taylor, daughter, Michele Taylor Brandon (Jonathan), son, Marc Thomas Taylor, and three grandchildren, Heather Grace Brandon, Gregory Thomas Brandon and Reese William Brandon.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 at McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, Blacksburg, with Tommy McDearis and Deanie Heath officiating. The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. A brief graveside service will follow at Memorial Gardens of the New River Valley, 2551 North Main Street, Blacksburg.
