Robert Earl Taylor Jr.

Earl was born on January 15, 1944, to the late Robert Earl and Christine Taylor in Norfolk, VA. Moving to Charlotte in 1959, he attended Myers Park High School where he was a member of the wrestling team and played football. He continued his education at Wake Forest University serving as president of his freshman and senior class and president of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Sue and Earl were married between Wake Forest University graduation and beginning his 31 years of service in the US Army. As a Special Forces enlisted man and Airborne qualified, he completed Field Artillery OCS and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He held command positions ranging from the battery to brigade. Earl was a Charter member of the 113th Field Artillery. He commanded 4th Battalion of the 113th Field Artillery and served as S3 and executive officer of the 113th Field Artillery Brigade. The culmination of Colonel Taylor’s 31 year career was commanding the 113th Field Artillery Brigade. Among the awards he received were Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, NC Distinguished Service Medal, Parachutist Badge and the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara. Earl was also inducted into the Field Artillery OCS Hall of Fame at Fort Sill, OK.

Earl worked with IBM for 15 years until entering the brokerage industry beginning with Wheat First Securities, Bank of America Financial, and retiring from LPL Financial after 25 years.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sue B. Taylor, son Van (Christi) Taylor of Tega Cay, SC, and daughter-in-law Nicole Taylor and grandson, William Taylor, both of Seattle WA. Earl was preceded in death by his eldest son, Robert Earl Taylor, III.

Earl was very outgoing and made sure his life was full of a variety of activities ranging from camping, domestic and international travel to theater. Earl loved his boys, and he took great pleasure guiding and watching them achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Earl was ecstatic to be a grandfather and proudly took the nickname Papa. Earl loved spending time with his grandson William.

Earl treasured time spent with his family and friends in Charlotte and Blowing Rock where they spent many hours kayaking the New River. Sue and Earl have a special place in their hearts for Blowing Rock Methodist Church where they were members for over 20 years. They enjoyed tailgating with friends to Wake Forest football and Carolina Panthers games.

The family of Earl Taylor would like to thank Monique, Danielle, Tara, Nelli and Tonya for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region at 1600 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC (www.HPCCR.org) or Memory & Movement Charlotte at 411 Billingsley Rd. Suite 103, Charlotte, NC (www.mmclt.org).