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Better Late Than Never: The Taylors Share Their Valentine’s Story

Couple Believe Fate Brought Them Together

Almetra and Walter Taylor say fate brought them together. (Image submitted)

Jennifer Marsh

Herald Staff

jmarsh@harrodsburgherald.com

Fate is the word the Taylors use to describe their love story. Now settled in Harrodsburg, the couple has experienced a lifelong friendship spanning three counties and over 60 years.

Walter “Bucky” Taylor and Almetra (Smith) Taylor met in 1958 while Almetra was spending summers at her aunt’s house in Lexington.

“My friends and I were up an apple tree and saw Almetra and her cousins coming. We threw apples at them,” Walter said. “She wound up her shirt, picked up everyone of those apples and belted us back.”

Years passed and the two were together again at Martin Luther King’s march on Frankfort in 1964. Although their parents were friends, the couple remained distant friends for most of their lives.

Chance and random circumstance brought Walter and Almetra together finally in 2008.

“We happened to both be out in the same place,” said Almetra. “We chatted and started to catch up and I invited Bucky to the West Side reunion with me.”

The Taylors said they have been together ever since, turning their lifelong friendship into a romantic love.

“I asked God to help me find a good woman and he gave me a great one,” said Walter.

Almetra’s brother Rev. Dale Wayne Smith, married the couple on a farm in Richmond.

“It was my brother’s first marriage ceremony,” said Almetra. “Harrodsburg is the perfect town to grow old gracefully, surrounded by good friends and a great community.”

4 Comments

  1. Angela Francis Smith on February 12, 2020 at 5:53 pm

    Well they both are Blessed Children of God!! Walter is one of the best Brother In-laws a girl could ask for. He goes above and beyond the call of duty for his families. Which we are family. And my oldest Sister Almetra well words can’t describe how I feel about her. She is an amazing person as well as a Sister. She found love and love found her. I’m happy that she had a soul mate whom they work together in all that they do. So I say Happy Valentine’s Day Mr&Mrs Walter Taylor Jr!!! I love you

    • Angela Francis Smith on February 12, 2020 at 5:54 pm

      Well they both are Blessed Children of God!! Walter is one of the best Brother In-laws a girl could ask for. He goes above and beyond the call of duty for his families. Which we are family. And my oldest Sister Almetra well words can’t describe how I feel about her. She is an amazing person as well as a Sister. She found love and love found her. I’m happy that she had a soul mate whom they work together in all that they do. So I say Happy Valentine’s Day Mr&Mrs Walter Taylor Jr!!! I love you

  2. Veanita Smith on February 12, 2020 at 6:08 pm

    This is an amazing story and I’m so happy for you both! Black love is beautiful! Love you both💙🤍🥰

  3. Bonnie Dorman on February 13, 2020 at 6:26 am

    Wow! Nice story!! Love to hear good news instead of always hearing negative news. Thank you for publishing a refreshing story and letting others know you are never to old to find love!

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