Edward "Ted" Hamilton Taylor Jr.

Ted was born on March 21, 1947, in Newport News, VA, to Colonel Edward Hamilton Taylor and Cordelia Brown Harwood Taylor. As the eldest of four children, Ted experienced a childhood enriched by international travels, living in Japan, France, and various states across the USA. Conversationally fluent in Spanish, Japanese, and French, Ted attended the Paris American High School in France. The kids lived in dormitories during the week while attending school and went home to Fontainebleau on the weekends where they formed lifelong friendships cherished through annual reunions held in different states for more than 25 years.

Throughout his life, Ted pursued roles ranging from classical pianist, taxi cab driver to mental health assistant, third degree black belt in Judo, Judo instructor, typesetter, mailman, and bailiff. Settling in Austin, Texas, Ted met Laura, the love of his life, at church. Their serendipitous meeting occurred at their church, marked by Ted's distinct style of cutoff jeans, wild curls and a raucous piano performance. Laura thought he was hilarious. This timely meeting eventually led to their marriage on October 30, 1982. Together, they raised two daughters, Anna “Punky” Cordelia Mendez (nee Taylor) and Clara “Boogie” Lorraine Garcia (nee Taylor), whom Ted adored and cherished. Ted and Anna shared the same birthday and they treasured the 40 birthdays celebrated together. Clara was her dad’s girl through and through and dotingly cared for him with her mother in his last days.

Ted’s life resonated with optimism, kindness, and a passion for music, particularly the piano. An accomplished pianist drawn to composers like Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Liszt, and Bach, Ted’s music filled his home and countless hearts at weddings, funerals, and special events. At annual reunions of the "Fontainebleau dorm kids," Ted delighted his friends with sing-a-longs of the oldies from their days in school. His vibrant personality, colorful socks, and unconditional love left an indelible mark on all who knew him, earning him a place as a father figure to many.

Ted’s legacy of compassion and service lives on through his daughters, who emulate his values in their work with underserved communities. He imparted his greatest lesson to them from Proverbs 23:26, urging them to observe his ways with the plea, "Let me have my father’s eyes." He was also well known for encouraging his family and friends to “Kill ‘em with kindness!”

Ted’s unwavering love for Laura was evident until his final moments, with his last breath he called out her name. His devotion to her and their family over 43 years remains a testament to enduring love.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Colonel Edward Hamilton Taylor, Sr. and Cordelia Brown Harwood Taylor; his siblings, Christine Raguet Taylor, and Timothy Hoskins Taylor; and his mother-in-law, Doris Lorraine Hinesly. He is survived by his wife, Laura Hinesly Taylor; daughters Anna Cordelia Mendez and Clara Lorraine Garcia; sons-in-law Michael Anthony Mendez and Alex Ray Garcia; grandchildren Michael Asher Mendez and Ryker Israel Garcia; brother Winston Harwood Taylor; and the extended Hinesly family.

The family extends deep gratitude to Sarah Kostic, Ted’s devoted caretaker whose love and care during his final years went above and beyond, cherishing him until his last day. They also express profound appreciation for the unwavering devotion, support and love of Laura and Ted’s best friends, Wayne and Sandy Napier, who have steadfastly stood by them throughout their long friendship.

A memorial service will be held at Promiseland Chapel on August 31, 2024 at 11:00 am. In celebration of Ted's vibrant personality and his love for wacky socks and dapper ties, the family invites guests to wear colorful ties and socks if they desire. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Trinity Center in honor of Ted’s profound compassion for the homeless. Contributions can be made online through their website: www.trinitycenteraustin.org