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Taylor Laid To Rest

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Posted: 6:49 PM Jul 3, 2008
Last Updated: 10:02 PM Jul 3, 2008
Reporter: Dave Jordan

9 comments

A | A | A

A soldier from Beaufort County who died last week in Iraq was laid to rest Thursday.

Services for 20-year-old U.S. Army specialist Joel Taylor of Pinetown were held at the First Church of Christ in Washington. An estimated 700 mourners filled the church. Taylor died last week, along with two other soldiers, when an IED blew up their truck in Mosul.

Joel's brother John mourned his brother during the services saying, "I'm sure he will be busy being a guardian angel with never ending shifts. No days off and no relief in sight. Joel, I hope God assigns you a gate guard because I want you to pat me down when my time comes."

Joel's father Scottie said, "Son, I see you to your rest now, for there will come a day when we all will see you again."

As the funeral procession left the church, people lined the highway with American flags.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Blog Refuter Location: NC on Jul 5, 2008 at 11:45 PM
My mother told me that cars were lined up all down Highway 264 from in Washington city limits all of the way to Douglas Cross Roads. Joel deserved it for sure. As for the rain...God opened the skies of Heaven to receive the soul of one of His own.

Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Jul 5, 2008 at 06:00 PM
To the family of Army specialist Joel Taylor, I would like to say, first I'm so sorry, and next God is getting his army together and Joel was picked. I often get depressed when I see God has taken someone so worthy, not because Joey didn't deserve to go to heaven, but because he left us behind. He's eating with Kings, God and his son Jesus. He feels no pain. And no more worldly distractions. It wasn't in vain, Yes I do feel freer.

Posted by: Nicky Location: Washington on Jul 4, 2008 at 11:37 PM
It was a very emotional day to see all the red,white and blue flying. Joel paid the ultimate and we thank him, & his family. Fighting for our freedom. It was such an honor to stand along the road and hold his flag and thank him & the family one last time. God Bless.

Posted by: Patriot Guard Rider Location: Havelock on Jul 4, 2008 at 09:46 AM
I was one of the lead bikes in the funeral procession and I want to thank the family for allowing us the great privilege and honor to be part of this day honoring an American Hero....SPC Joel Taylor. As I rode, I reflected on the sacrifice That SPC Taylor had made....I smelled the fresh air, I felt the sun and noticed the blue sky with its puffy clouds. I watched a horse gallop in a field and I saw the main streets and country roads line with true American Patriots holding signs and waving flags. One thing though.....I didn't know it was suppose to rain, but it was sure raining inside my helmet as I rode along. Thank you SPC Joel Taylor for allowing us the freedoms that we have. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Posted by: Crystal Location: Washington on Jul 4, 2008 at 08:52 AM
Thank you Joel for your unselfish sacrifice for my freedom! You truly define the word HERO. Your parents did an excellent job raising two boys who have answered the call to serve and protect our country, and for that they should be very proud. I hope all Americans never cease to be thankful for our service men and women. We also need to remember our freedom is not free and should never be taken for granted. Rest In Peace brother, you have finished the race, you have stayed the course, you HAVE fought the good fight! Always remembered, never forgotten.

Posted by: grateful American Location: NC on Jul 3, 2008 at 10:15 PM
My family is so grateful for the sacrifice this young man made for us. We took our children to stand along HWY 264 today so that they could see first hand what Independence Day is all about. It was a very emotional experience. Thank you SPC Taylor!

Posted by: Me Location: Washington, NC on Jul 3, 2008 at 09:51 PM
I was traveling into town... and noticed the folks on the side of the road... and I stopped and finally realized what was going on. It was very emotional to see the line of cars headed to lay Joel to rest. I did not know him... but God Bless he and his family!!!! I am so glad to see the support that Beaufort County had for him!!!!! Again, God Bless!!!!!!! RIP my friend.

Posted by: MADDOG Location: U.S.A. on Jul 3, 2008 at 09:09 PM
R.I.P. My Brother in arms. You are a Hero,,I Fly My Flag for you. I went to war for 7 years so one day we will sit together beside the River of life. You will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew you. GOD Bless and be with the Family.You all are in my prays.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Columbus, Georgia on Jul 3, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Taylor, we will take your burden now and complete the mission

Posted by: Anon Location: Washington on Jul 3, 2008 at 08:10 PM
I went to pay my respects and it was sad to see a freedom fighter pass away for us American's.

Posted by: Tom Location: Washington on Jul 3, 2008 at 07:51 PM
This was a very inspirational service and I'm certain Joel will be missed and I thank him for his ultimate sacrifice...Our freedom is taken for as a moot issue until something like this happens.. Let us never forget what our men and women in the armed forces do for us everyday! The funeral home webcast was awesome as well. Paul Funeral Home did a great job as usual. The funeral service can still be viewed at http://www.funeralcast.com/paulfh/taylor.html I thank them for making this possible for the men and women in Iraq and overseas to be able to view the service as it happened!

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