Mr. Robert H. Taylor

Robert Henry Taylor, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at the Tennessee Veterans Home on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the of age 79. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Puddin’ was born on January 20, 1945, the fifth of fifteen children born to William Harrison Taylor and Emma Louise Bridgeforth-Taylor. Sister, Hattie Taylor, brothers Charles “Chico,” William “Billy,” Richard “Chappy,” Horace, Herman, and Michael Taylor preceded him in death. Robert “Tay-Tay” Taylor graduated from Booker T. Washington High and continued his education at HBCUs, Lane and Philander Smith colleges. He was initiated into the Kappa Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated at Lane College in 1965. A Vietnam War veteran, Robert proudly and courageously served in the United States Air Force as military police officer. Naturally inquisitive and smart, “busy Bob Taylor” enjoyed multiple careers including area sales manager (Koppers Company), investment officer (Omaha National Bank), airline reservation agent (US Air), bookkeeper, IT technician, and head of custodial services (MSD Warren Township) until he and Judy retired to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2006. Throughout the years, Robert, Judy, and the kids lived in six different states, including Arkansas, California, and Indiana. When asked why he lived in so many places, Robert would say he was in the “witness protection program” and could not provide any additional information. He was most proud of being Terri and Keith’s father, and he made sure EVERYONE knew how proud he was of not only their accomplishments, but also that he and Judy raised them to be good people. Robert was a “girl dad” before it became popular, raising a confident and independent daughter (and granddaughter). An excellent role model, Robert taught Keith how to navigate life as a Black man. Work hard. Keep your word. Go to school. Watch your back. Take care of your family. Balance the checkbook. Fix the car. Don’t procrastinate. Robert delighted in telling his grandchildren, and anyone else who would listen, stories about how “tough love” and good-natured humor prepared their parents for life’s ups and down. He loved his kids and grands so much that he taught them how to shoot dice and play poker, Spades and Pitty Pat. He is survived by his loving, dedicated wife of 57 years, his Lane College sweetheart, Judy King Taylor, daughter, Dr. Terri Lynn Taylor- Rawls (Leotis Rawls), son, Dr. Keith Harrison Taylor (Frankie Spearman-Taylor), grandchildren, Jacob Zachary Rawls, Ryann Olivia Rawls, Xander Harrison Taylor, Karter Harrison Taylor, great-grandson, Kimari Harrison Taylor, bonus grandchildren, Niree French, Madyson and Chase Smith,sisters, Delores Martin, Emma Harris (Alvin Harris, Sr.), Dorothy Taylor, Traci Conwell (Norman Conwell), brothers, Ray, and Waverly Taylor, as well as a host of family members and friends. Robert was our hero. A real father and real man. His departure has left a gaping hole in our lives. All we can do is to hold fast to the precious memories to all who knew and loved him.

Mr. Robert H. Taylor

January 20, 1945 - November 26, 2024