A 70-year marriage that has stood the test of time

Edwin and Peggy Taylor celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary Saturday in a special family event to mark the accomplishment with their many children and grandchildren. Photo credit: Special to The Walton Tribune

Edwin and Peggy Taylor first met in 1956, now 70 years ago from those halcyon days.

Three dates in, they were married. And they’ve been going strong ever since.

“They are a true American success story blessed by the hand of God, and they continue to show that love, not only to family, but to everyone they meet,” Wanda Haulk, their daughter, said. “We are so blessed to celebrate with our mom and dad their 70th wedding anniversary! They are the two most amazing people we have ever known.”

Edwin first met Peggy in June of 1956, when he went on a date with a friend of Peggy’s and she was there when he arrived.

Edwin was taken with the young Peggy and soon was on a date with her instead.

“They just knew they were meant to be together from that moment,” Haulk said.

Edwin was 19, just returned to the states after three years in the army, including a year in Korea.

Peggy was 16, a rising junior at Habersham High School in Cornelia.

On their third date, Edwin asked Peggy a fateful question.

“He asked, ‘What would you do if I asked you to marry me?’” Haulk said. “To which she replied, ‘You better be careful you’ll end up with a wife.’”

He did.

On June 20, 1956, the couple traveled to Wallahalla, South Carolina, and were married, staring a 70-year journey to today.

“So many years of love, commitment and partnership is a truly remarkable milestone,” Haulk said. “The life that they built together is an inspiration to everyone who knows them. Through the years they have shared, countless memories, weathered life‘s challenges hand-in-hand and created a legacy of love that continues to bless our family.”

Over the years, Edwin and Peggy would have four daughters, six grandchildren and, to date, 10 great-grandchildren.

On Saturday, they all gathered together for a celebration in Monroe and the Taylors commemorated seven decades of love and family together.

“We thank you, Edwin and Peggy Taylor, for showing us what true devotion, patience and unconditional love looks like,” Haulk said. “You have continue to love us, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, with the most powerful love.”