Robert "Bob" M. Taylor

Bob graduated from Cooly High School in Detroit Michigan and then graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa in 1962 where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, an organization he remained involved in until the time of his passing.

Bob started his automobile career with General Motors Cadillac Division in Detroit, Michigan in 1962. He acquired his first dealership, in Naples, Florida, in 1969, founding “Bob Taylor Chevrolet.” He owned several other dealerships over the ensuing years, but he owned Bob Taylor Chevrolet for 46 years, before selling and enjoying his retirement.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman, whether it was hunting birds out West, or Sportfishing in the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic. For several decades he was the sailor to beat in Southwest Florida, when he was racing his sailboats all over both coasts of Florida, the Bahamas, and even to Mexico a few times. Bob was a private pilot, and continued to fly into his 70’s. One of Bob's biggest loves was the game of golf. He played frequently for over 60 years.

Bob was a devoted husband and father who enjoyed spending time with his family and many of his close friends. Kathleen and Bob enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their homes in Key West, FL and Wayzata, MN.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen St James Taylor, her children David and Melanie St James, and his children Mike (Wanda), Jeff, and Kristen McFall (Tim), from his first marriage to Rebecca Gunter Taylor. He leaves behind five grandchildren, Justin, Lindsey, Zachary, Sarah, and Joshua, as well as his great grandchildren, Olivia and Ryott. His stepsons Steve and Rodney Nettles, who were very close to Bob when he was married to Sandra Nettles Taylor, who preceded Bob's death in 2014. Bob will be missed by his siblings, Rick Taylor, Ron Taylor and sister Connie Meeks, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. And we cannot leave this without mentioning Bob’s love for his many dogs, Prissy, CJ, Ivy, Lizzie, Bennie and Gracie.

Please join us in celebrating Bob’s wonderful, active life on January 24th at 10:00 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Naples, 250 Sixth Street South. Following the service, there will be a buffet lunch at the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club at 12:00, where we can share memories of our time with this wonderful man, who lived a great life.

In lieu of flowers, please follow Bob’s many philanthropic endeavors by donating to your favorite charity.