Robert Lee Taylor

Robert L. Taylor was born 3/24/25 in Lawtey, Florida near Jacksonville, where he later resided. Although underage, he enlisted in the Navy during WWII, serving as a gunners mate on Liberty ships. He escorted convoys in the North Atlantic, Arctic, Indian and Pacific oceans. On one crossing of the Atlantic, his ship was damaged by German planes and he spent the night on a life raft. On two occasions he made trips to the Russian ports of Mermansk and Arc Angel through the Arctic. For this he received the Red Star from the Russian government as well as a Presidential Citation. He was an avid water skier, tournament boat driver and judge. For a number of years he served as President of The Tampa Ski Bees show club. He was inducted into the Florida Water Ski Federation Hall of Fame for his many years of service. Late in his life, he took up dancing and was widely known at local veterans dances as well as others. Swing dance was his favorite and he was dancing into his late nineties. Robert was married 65 years to his beloved wife, Iris Marie, who predeceased him in 2008. They had three children, Jean M. Taylor, Robert L. Taylor Jr. (Edna), Richard D. Taylor (Holley). Grand children include Jessica Wooten, Jennifer Reed, Danielle Spradlin, Darrick Taylor, Benjamin Taylor, and April Taylor. Great grandchildren include Cade and Emma Taylor and Clay Surdame, Memphis and Marshall Musgrave, Riley Karekos, Peyton and Colton Spradlin.

A visitation for Robert will be held Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33614. A funeral mass will occur Friday, February 17, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 5225 N Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33614. A committal service will occur Friday, February 17, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Oak Grove Cemetery, 3012 Sitka Street, Tampa, FL 33614.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gonzalezfuneral.com for the Taylor family.