Thomas "Tommy" Taylor Absher

Thomas “Tommy” Taylor Absher, age 70, of West Jefferson, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Glenbridge Nursing Care Center.

Tommy was born in Texas on April 3, 1956, to the late Sidney Samuel and Virginia Taylor Absher. Though born in the Lone Star State, he became a fixture of the Ashe County community and was a proud graduate of Beaver Creek High School.

A man of many passions, Tommy was happiest when he was working hard or feeling the freedom of the open road on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He enjoyed racing motorcycles in his spare time. He was an avid collector of many items, possessing a keen eye for unique finds and treasures. Tommy also had a great appreciation for the simpler things in life—specifically a piece of dark chocolate or a warm plate of biscuits and gravy.

He was preceded in death by a brother, James Earl Taylor; his grandparents, Earl and Nella Hodge Taylor.

He is survived by: his daughter, Chelsea Rutherford of West Jefferson; a sister Betty Jane Chidester of Charlotte; several cousins also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 1:00pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel with Rev. Herb Parunak officiating. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:00pm on Thursday; one hour prior to the funeral service.