Lawrence Paul 'Rocky' Taylor
1967-2020


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Lawrence Paul 'Rocky' Taylor

June 28, 1967 - April 11, 2020

Lawrence "Rocky" Paul Taylor, 52, of Masontown, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2020 at Ruby Memorial Hospital.

Lawrence was born in Fort Knox, KY on June 28, 1967, a son of the late Alan "Buck" M. Taylor and the late Polly Ann (Beveridge) Taylor.

He served his country in the US Army Reserves during the Iraq War with tours in Iraq and Kuwait. Rocky received his master's degree from WVU in social work and was employed by the WVDHHR Child Protective Services as supervisor, serving Preston, Taylor and Barbour Counties. His co-workers referred to him as being one of the most generous people they knew and he took great pride in helping his clients. He looked for ways to acknowledge his employee's achievements and often had ceremonies for them. He was a member of the Sabraton Baptist Church, Masonic Lodge, local VFWs and Hogs & Heroes Foundation, where he served as president. He enjoyed camping at Romney with his son Seth and their dog Gunner.

Lawrence is survived by a son, Seth Taylor of Kingwood; a daughter, Polly Taylor of Kingwood; five sisters, Sheri "Tabby" Fincher and husband Ron of Willow Spring, NC, Tammy Lynn Shifflett of Port St. Lucie, FL, Bobbi Jo Shultz and husband Neil of Connellsville, PA, Betty Jo Taylor of Dallas, TX and Toni Snodgrass; two brothers, Alan M. Taylor Jr. and Vernon Shifflett, both of Masontown; step-mother, Mary Ann Taylor of Masontown; many nieces and nephews in WV, NC, TX, PA and many cousins in OH and WV.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Debbie Sue Taylor.

Due to this unknown time with the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be a private graveside service at Mount Zion Cemetery with Dr. Ron Fincher officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Preston County Honor Guard and the WVANG Honor Guard.

Donations can be made in Rocky's memory to Operation Welcome Home, 452 Mylan Park, Morgantown, WV 26501.

The family realizes Rocky was loved by many and look forward to reading the condolences left on the Field Funeral Home website at www.fieldfuneralhome.com.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Anna Smith
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Rocky he was a very good man and will be missed by many I thank u for all the help u gave me and my family
Anna and family

Amanda Gifford
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Lawrence and I had a lot of laughs and also enjoyed giving each other a hard time. I will definitely miss his good conversations and him retelling stories about fun and crazy times in CPS. We both started our career at DHHR at the same time and went through training together almost 13 years ago. Anyone that has worked in this field knows it's a close nit family who tell each other like it is but at the end of the day we are all there for each other. He will be greatly missed and my deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends. I wish we could have all been there with you at Mt. Zion today, but know that you were in all our thoughts and hearts.

RICH
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Rocky and I were neighbors and friends in Germany. Our families were assigned to Mainz Germany in 1980 thru 82. Rocky was a great pitcher on our baseball, QB on the Mainz Raiders football team and was one of the funniest guys I ever met. He had a nickname for everyone. So many stories to list. We had a blast as teenagers. He had a big heart and never met anyone he didnt call a friend. We reconnected a few years ago and called each other periodically. We were the MAINZERS and inseperable until he moved in 82....Rest in peace my good friend. Until we meet again...your friend Rich ..

RANDY KNOTTS
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Lawrence was a friend and co worker at the DHHR. He will be sadly missed. He had a huge heart. I will surely miss his stories on our way to Charleston and back for trainings. Rest in Peace Lawrence. To his family and friends, remember...
DEATH LEAVES A HEARTACHE NO ONE CAN HEAL
MEMORIES LEAVES LOVE NO ONE CAN STEAL

Kelly
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Lawrence was such a great guy! I knew him from way back in the days of Plus One Pizza!! We had a lot of fun times together! God Bless him for his service to his country! Prayers to all of his family and friends!!

Cheryl J Skinner
Tri-State Military Museum
Thursday, April 16, 2020
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time, May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Lawrence Paul Taylor, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete. I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.

My thoughts and prayers to the family.

US Army Veteran, Lawrence Paul Taylor, is “A True American Hero” God Bless† † Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †

Stacy North
Thursday, April 16, 2020
I will miss all of our political discussions. Although we had divergent viewpoints it was obvious that Lawrence had a huge heart and great compassion for people. He was an important piece of the DHHR family and will be sorely missed. Sympathies to the family and especially to Seth and Polly.

Victoria "Tori" Shaver
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Uncle Rocky was one of the best Uncles you could ask for. I never stopped laughing being around him. He would always tell funny stories and jokes both as a child and adult. I never knew a mean bone in his body! Uncle Rocky you will be missed so much. I love you form your Niece Tori

Megan
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Thinking of the family during this difficult time.

Rick Parks
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Rocky was not only a coworker for many years, he was also one of my closest friends. I will miss all the fun times sitting by the campfire in Romney swapping stories. People like Rocky are impossible to replace and will live on forever in your memories.....so long buddy.

Tammy Lowther Labarge
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
So sad to hear of Rocky's passing. My prayers go put to his family and friends. I know he will be missed dearly.

Brenda Jackson
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Dear Family, So sorry I can’t be there to physically show my love and support. I know Ricky was lived by you all. Although he has left us for awhile, I believe he’s just down the road waiting for us. Let us all trust the Lord, who assured us, ..”weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Peace to you all, Randall & Brenda Jackson

Angie Sloan
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
I've worked with Lawrence for several years. I've always had respect for his thoughts, insights, and his suggestions to make the WV Dept. of Health and Human Resources, and more specifically, the Bureau for Children and Families, better. He was truly dedicated and to his staff and his agency, which was always admirable. I mourn for his family and loved ones' loss. I mourn for our work family's loss as well. My prayers for strength, comfort, and healing are with all of his family, loved ones, and work family.

Tiny Davis
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
We will miss you!!!! Jeff and Tiny

Michelle Pichardo
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
My heart is heavy for all of you. Praying for Holy Spirit to comfort each of you and for the work Rocky was so passionate about to continue.

National Youth Advocate Program
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
The staff of National Youth Advocate Program is so sorry to hear about the passing of Lawrence. He touched so many lives of the youth we serve as well as staff. He was dedicated to making the lives of so many better. He cared about youth and had such a positive impact on those he worked with. We will recall with fondness his laugh and the smile he shared with everyone. He will be missed.

Jonthan Bolyard
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Wow, so shocked to see this. I knew Rocky though social work circles and he was one of my assistant coaches at West Preston Football League when our sons played for the Cougars. He was very kind and I appreciated his help and support. He will be missed. Jonthan Bolyard








Rest in Peace, Rocky.

Lawrence Paul Taylor

1967-2020