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Marc Sims Taylor, born May 8, 1973, passed away in the Outer Banks of North Carolina on Monday, December 12, 2022 at the age of 49.

“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Marc lived life enjoying what he loved – creating fabulous food, finding good waves, and spending time with those he held close.

Endless hours in the kitchen would count as work for most people, but in the kitchen, Marc was like a painter at his canvas. He loved to create, and food was his medium. From his earliest days at the farm table after a hunt with his dad, Marc was moved by the power of food to bring people together. As he grew up, it became the centerpiece of his life.

After attending Nansemond Suffolk Academy and Fork Union Military Academy, Marc followed his culinary passion to Johnson & Wales in Charleston, SC. He subsequently honed his skills in the mountains of Colorado and the islands of the Caribbean. Upon his return to Virginia Beach, he worked as a sous chef at highly regarded restaurants like Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club. Later he served as the executive chef at both Fire & Vine and Steinhilbers. Marc eventually moved to the Outer Banks, where he brought his commitment to culinary excellence and artistry with food to a variety of local restaurants, most recently as the executive chef at 1587 in Manteo.

If not at a restaurant, Marc was never far from the water. He personified salt life before it became a bumper sticker. On any given day he could almost certainly be found skating, or perhaps even more likely, surfing. If the waves weren’t good, he might break out a rod and reel and go fishing for some drum. He loved the simple life, the ocean, his friends, his family, and especially his son and “mini me” Marik, who was his pride and joy. Nothing made Marc happier than spending time with Marik. Whether taking Marik to his restaurant to teach him his craft, creating masterpieces with him in his home kitchen, or sharing his passion for the water and waves, any day with Marik was a great day for Marc.

While Marc’s talent was cooking, everything he did was really about connecting people. He loved creating an exceptional, memorable experience for others, whether in the finest restaurants or the backyard firepit. He could make magic from the region’s most exotic foods or rummage through your pantry and whip up a culinary delight out of what seemed like thin air. Wherever he was he brought people together. He had a larger-than-life personality and a unique ability to relate to people from all walks of life. As soon as he stepped into a room Marc would deploy his quick wit, robust laugh and megawatt smile that those of us who loved him will never forget.

Marc left us far too soon, and leaves behind a beloved son, Marik Sims Taylor and former wife, Kira Taylor of Virginia Beach, VA; parents Ned and Astor Taylor of Holden Beach, NC and sisters Mallory Underwood (husband Chuck and children Bailey, Drew and Jackson) and Blair Jackson (husband Jeremiah and children Emory and Campbell), all of Raleigh, NC.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the indoor facility overlooking the ocean at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina. A reception will follow the service. In honor of Marc’s passion for the ocean, memorial contributions may be made to the Outer Banks Surfrider Chapter and mailed to PO Box 1576, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948.

Please share condolences and loving remembrances at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.

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