Danny Wayne Taylor

Danny Wayne Taylor, 74, of East Bend, passed away on November 10, 2026.

Danny was born in Forsyth County, North Carolina, to “Doc” and Nellie Mae Taylor. He graduated from Forbush High School in 1970 and proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army.

A dedicated and hardworking man, Danny spent 43 years with UniFi, faithfully serving the company in many different roles throughout his career.

On February 18, 2001, Danny received the gift of life as the recipient of a heart transplant. Throughout the 25 years that followed, he lived life to the fullest. After his recovery, he drove his 1968 convertible Corvette in the East Bend God and Country Parade, throwing Life Savers to the crowd.

Danny had a lifelong love for antique cars. He enjoyed collecting and restoring them, attending cruise-ins, and sharing his remarkable wealth of knowledge of just about any antique car you could name. His love of cars was more than a hobby; it was something he genuinely enjoyed sharing with others. You could often find him offering spare parts to his fellow car buddies.

More than anything, though, Danny loved his family. He treasured attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and being part of their lives. He also loved gardening, and those who knew him could often spot him on his zero-turn mower or zipping through the Smithtown community on his golf cart. He enjoyed traveling, particularly trips to Pigeon Forge and Myrtle Beach, and appreciated the simple pleasures of being outdoors, working with his hands, and spending time with the people he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Larry Taylor

Danny is survived by Nina Taylor, his wife of 41 years; his children, Chad Taylor (Pam), Kelli Myers (Brandon Doub), and Laura Bledsoe (Justin); his grandchildren, Kyle Killingsworth (Mackenzie Collins), Brandon Killingsworth, Nick Myers, Abby Taylor, and Mallori Bledsoe; and his siblings, Kenny Taylor and Patsy Webb.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 14, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Gentry Family Funeral Service in East Bend. The funeral service, officiated by Gary Mahathey, will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service at New Home Methodist Church with full military honors.

Danny will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of family, his passion for antique cars, and the countless everyday moments that made him unmistakably Danny. Whether he was working on an old car, tending his garden, cheering from the sidelines, riding his mower, or making his way through town on his golf cart, he embraced the things and people he loved wholeheartedly.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Cancer Center; Yadkin Dialysis Center; and the VA for the exceptional care provided to Danny over the years. Words cannot adequately express our gratitude for the care and compassion shown to him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.