WILMINGTON — Matthew “Buddy” Page Taylor, Jr., born June 12, 1932, in Wilmington, NC, peacefully passed away on May 28, 2026, at the age of 93. A lifelong resident of Wilmington, Buddy was a dedicated servant to his family, community, and faith.
Buddy graduated from New Hanover High School, Class of 1951, and soon after enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. For five years, he served dutifully in the engine room of a cutter ship, navigating from Florida to the icy waters of Greenland and Iceland. His service not only demonstrated his commitment to his country but also fueled his passion for mechanics. Utilizing the GI Bill, he pursued and attained a diploma in diesel mechanics from NC State University while attending the classed at Gaston Technical School in Gastonia, NC.
A gifted heavy-duty diesel mechanic, Buddy applied his skills at Caterpillar before retiring from the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU). His work ethic and dedication were admired by colleagues and friends alike.
Buddy’s life was marked by his unwavering faith and devotion to God. He was a faithful member of Safe Harbor Baptist Church in Delco, NC, and committed much of his life to missionary work. Alongside his beloved wife, Sarah Congleton Taylor—whom he met at a local Wilmington church—he embarked on over 13 mission trips to South America, helping to build churches and spread the love of Jesus. Together, they traveled across the United States and Canada in their mobile home as part of the Campers on Missions, aiding communities afflicted by storms through renovations and carpentry.
A proud member of the Wilmington Lodge #319 A.F. & A.M. for 70 years, Buddy also shared camaraderie with the Sudan Shriners in Wilmington, where he was an active participant in the Drum and Bugle Corps.
Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew Page Sr. and Claudia Bryan Taylor; his three sisters, Alice Lee, Florence, and Mildred; his cherished wife, Sarah Congleton Taylor; and his daughter, Theresa Taylor. He is survived by his daughter, Sarah T. Sholar, and her husband, Joe; grandchildren, Matthew Pike (Darlene), Paigette Barefoot (Dean), Bryan Sholar (Michelle), and Crystal Powell (William); and great-grandchildren, Matthew Page Pike, Matthew Trent Kendall, DJ, Ronnie, and Savannah Barefoot, Garrett Powell, and Gorvan Smith. He is also survived by a niece and several nephews.
Services to honor Buddy’s life will be held at Goshen Fellowship Church in Brunswick County, NC, with inurnment at the Bryan family cemetery in Wilmington, NC.
Buddy’s legacy is one of faith, service, and love—a testament to a life well-lived and a soul forever cherished by all who knew him.
