He was born on December 18, 1933 in Emporia, Virginia to Lucius Rives Taylor and Elizabeth Jordan Taylor and grew up in Jackson, North Carolina.

Rives graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Forestry.

He served his country during the Korean War in the US Navy.  

Afterwards, he spent many years in the peanut business and enjoyed his time traveling the back roads of Eastern North Carolina, where he made many friends along the way.

He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed fishing with his son, Russ, and practiced wood carving whenever he had the chance.  

He was a committed member of Weldon United Methodist Church throughout his adult life.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Royall Joyner Taylor; his daughter Wes Taylor Ragland and husband, Trent, III of Raleigh; his son, Russell Rives Taylor, of Garysburg;  his sister, Mary Elizabeth Outland and husband, Jimmy of Rich Square; two grandchildren include William Trent Ragland IV and Mary Suiter Ragland; and several nieces and nephews.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to the Rex Hospital Fourth Floor nurses who went above and beyond and showed great compassion as they cared for Mr. Taylor and his family.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at Garysburg United Methodist Church Cemetery, 303 Old Highway Road, Garysburg, NC with the Rev. Sue Owens officiating.

Arrangements are being handled by Askew Funeral and Cremation Services.  Online condolences may be made to www.askewfs.com