Railey Augusta Taylor

Raleigh "Railey" Augusta Taylor, age 87 of Pennington Gap, VA was born and raised in Waynesboro, VA and enter his heavenly home on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at Lee Health and Rehab in Pennington Gap, VA.

In 1964 while working for E.F. Blakenship Construction Co., he came to Lee County to assist in the building of the Flanary bridge and another in Olinger. It was then that he met his wife Shirley and decided to make Pennington Gap his home. He then began working for the newly formed ambulance service there.

Around 1972, he began taking it upon himself to mow the ball fields at Leeman Field. While mowing he was approached by Chuck Parsons and Curley Dye who were President and Vice President of Lee East Little League at the time. They invited him to attend the next board meeting and it was then that he began his involvement with Little League by working in the concession stand with his wife, Shirley.

As his appreciation for the sport grew along with his love of working with children, he subsequently went on to attend umpire meetings. It was then that he decided that this was something he would enjoy doing. So, from that point on until his retirement in 2013, some 31 years, he umpired hundreds of Little League ball games at all levels throughout district #13. He was also invited on occasion to officiate games outside of the district on the State level and other events. For many years he often volunteered with other events held at Leeman Field such at the fair, Christmas activities and New Year’s Eve celebration.

A few years’ back, the ball fields at Leeman Field were dedicated to the Parsons and Taylor families for their many years of dedication to Lee East Little League. At the time of his retirement, Railey was officially declared the "Oldest Little League Umpire in District #13."

He is preceded in death by his parents Casper and Maggie Taylor, brothers Austin Taylor, Herbert Taylor, Raymond Taylor and Robert Veney, sisters Maggie Bell Greer and Marion Haliburton.

Railey is survived by his wife: Shirley Taylor of the home, son: Ronnie Carson (Jill) of Pennington Gap, VA, grandchildren: Kevin Carson (Jacintha) of Falls Church, VA, Alexis Carson of Pennington Gap, VA, great-granddaughter: Zara Riley Carson, sister: Nancy Graves (Barry) of Clarksville, TN, special niece: Ruby Taylor of Perris, CA, special nephew: Greg Matthews of Pennington Gap, VA and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 8, 2019 from 12:00 until 2:00 PM.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM with burial to follow at Cecil-Fry Cemetery in Pennington Gap, VA.

Memorials and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.pfh@provincefuneralhome.com

We are located at 42098 E. Morgan Ave. Pennington Gap, VA 24277

Phone 276-546-2456

Province Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the family of Railey Taylor.

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