The Foundation
The purpose of the Taylor Foundation, as set forth on December 10, 1951, shall be exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes. Areas of main interest are South Florida (Palm Beach County), South East Virginia, and Carteret County, NC.
How It All Began
It is the great story of four Taylor brothers, Daniel E., William R., Alfred T., and Leslie M. – native sons of Sea Level, who rejected the comparatively obscure lives of fishermen to seek their fortunes elsewhere, and succeeded beyond their fondest dreams.
The Taylor Foundation was started to help fund the Sea Level Hospital in Sea Level NC. The Founders of this Foundation had built the hospital in their native home town to serve the residents of “Down East”. At the time in the early years of 1900’s, too many people suffered or died because of the lack of medical facilities nearby. At that time, it could take 4 or more hours by boat to get to the nearest hospital. This left a deep impression on the Taylor brothers. Their concern culminated in the Sea Level Hospital being built and opening its doors in 1953.
How It All Began
It is the great story of four Taylor brothers, Daniel E., William R., Alfred T., and Leslie M. – native sons of Sea Level, who rejected the comparatively obscure lives of fishermen to seek their fortunes elsewhere, and succeeded beyond their fondest dreams.
The Taylor Foundation was started to help fund the Sea Level Hospital in Sea Level NC. The Founders of this Foundation had built the hospital in their native home town to serve the residents of “Down East”. At the time in the early years of 1900’s, too many people suffered or died because of the lack of medical facilities nearby. At that time, it could take 4 or more hours by boat to get to the nearest hospital. This left a deep impression on the Taylor brothers. Their concern culminated in the Sea Level Hospital being built and opening its doors in 1953.
How It’s Going
View current articles
Behavioral Health facility to open in Carteret County
3/22/24
Editorial: A generous gift of health care
3/31/24
Who We Help
As time went on, the focus of the Taylor Foundation has shifted from supporting the Sea Level Hospital to many other diverse charities.
The Board
Meet our current Board Members
Susan T. Kirkpatrick
Chairman of the Board
Brian T. Kirkpatrick
Secretary
Barbara T. Creech
Member
Clark Taylor
Member
Grady Fulcher
Member
Harry G. Taylor
Member
Laura Creech
Member
Harry Taylor Jr.
Member
Meet our past Board Members
Bob Taylor
Past President
Robert (Bob) Tilden Taylor, Sr. was born in 1941, the son of William and Geraldine ( Jerry ) Belsham Taylor. He married Margaret (Margo) Dunaway in 1973. They have two children – Robert (Rob) T Taylor, and William Clark Taylor.
Bob attended Fishbone Military School and went on to graduate from Campbell University with a B.A. After graduation, he joined his father in the family businesses.
He also founded Taylor Document Storage Co., Diamond T Marine, Taylor Logistics and Diamond T Trucking. After the companies were sold, he and his son, Clark, built the 68,520 sq. ft. Taylor Executive Center.
Bob took over from his dad as President of The Taylor Foundation and served in that capacity until his death in 2016. His son, Clark, now serves as a member of the board of the foundation.
J. Lewis Rawls, Jr.
Past Member
An American attorney and politician who served as a member of the Virginia
Senate and House of Delegates. In 1952 he became counsel to the Taylor family whose varied businesses were headquartered in Norfolk,Virginia. He was a Taylor Foundation board member 1952-1994.
Thomas Allen Bennett, Sr.
Past Member
Greenville, North Carolina
Wachovia Bank CEO – 1962-1992
Tom loved East Carolina University and was very active in supporting the school in every way. He understood the needs of Eastern North Carolina and helped in guiding the Taylor family with their charitable giving. He volunteered and served in many ways. Tom was a Taylor Foundation board member until his death in 2011.
Clifford A. “Cliff” Cutchins
Past Member
CEO of Sovran Financial Corp. until he retired in 1989 and was made honorary director. He served on Board of Visitors at Virginia Tech University from 1965 to 1976 and again from 1987 to 1991. He was rector from 1989 to 1991. Cutchins was also involved in many other services to the state and community. He served on the Taylor Foundation board until his death in 2002.
The Taylor Foundation
The purpose of the Taylor Foundation, as set forth on December 10, 1951, shall be exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes. Areas of main interest are South Florida (Palm Beach County), South East Virginia, and Carteret County, NC.
Stay In Touch
Meet our past Board Members.