ZACHARY TAYLOR KOONCE III      

Jan. 3, 2015

 

Zachary Taylor Koonce III, of Washington, NC, passed away January 3rd, 2015, at the age of 86.  He was born September 29, 1928, in Washington to the late Zachary Taylor Koonce II and Elizabeth McIlhenny Koonce.  He is survived by his wife, Peggy Koonce of Washington NC, his sons Zachary Taylor Koonce IV of Snow Hill NC, Christopher Eric Koonce of Chapel Hill NC, Thaddeus  “Buddy” Boyd of Mebane NC, and William Roger Mills-Koonce Chapel Hill NC; his grandchildren Jonathan Boyd, Joshua Boyd, Cassidy Boyd, Liam Mills-Koonce, and Aaron Mills-Koonce.  Also surviving are one older sister, Anita “Nina” Tyndall of Washington NC, and nieces and nephews Ann Tyndall of Washington NC, Katie Webb of Washington DC, and William Barwick Wilmington. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older sister, Betsy Barwick, of Washington NC, and his brothers-in-law Robert Tyndall and Morrison Barwick.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Washington NC, with a reception to follow at his home of 25 River Acres West, Washington NC. All are invited to attend.  Honorary pallbearers will include Diamir Angeles, Dalton Latham, Steve Lee, Marty Martikke, C.A. Nelson, and Juan Rodriguez.

Taylor spent his early years on the family farm at River Acres in Washington, where he ultimately would live again in the second half of his life.  After high school he joined the Navy, and after completing his service he matriculated and graduated from North Carolina State University where he received a Bachelor’s degree in industrial arts education and Master’s degree in counseling.  He went on to be an educator and administrator in the public school system for over 20 years and a lifetime supporter for public education.  Taylor was also passionate about wood and metal working, including the creation and restoration of hand-crafted furniture and antique cars, as well as writing poetry and enjoyment of all creative arts.  He built many of the houses in River Acres, including the home of his wife and himself for the past 32 years.  His poetry has been published in numerous books and his essays have been published state and local periodicals.  He was also an advocate for the humane treatment of animals, the protection of the environment, and social justice.  Taylor was a member of the Bunyan Ruritan Club, multiple veterans’ organizations and the Model A Club of Eastern NC.  He was also a supporter and active contributor to the Washington Civic Center and the North Carolina Estuarium.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be made to the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Rector’s Discretionary Fund at P.O. Box 985, Washington NC 27889 or to the Humane Society of Beaufort County at P.O. Box 8 Washington NC 27889. Expressions of condolences may be made to Peggy Koonce at 25 River Acres West, Washington NC 27889 or to www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Koonce family.