Sylvester Taylor Jr.

Sylvester graduated from Miami Edison Senior High School in 1978, earned his Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and Master’s Degree from the University of Phoenix.

He married his best friend and beautiful college sweetheart Emilia Taylor on June 15, 1985.

Sylvester has over 40 years experience in the Hospitality Industry with 28+ of those years spent at Walt Disney World Resort in a variety of Hospitality Positions. Performed as professional leader using key accountabilities and operational efficiencies for the company for resorts, parks, properties and restaurants. In fact, Sly created magic at Narcossee’s, Grand Floridian Cafe and the Tea Room at Disney’s Grand Floridian. He was the Restaurant Guest Service Manager at the Flying Fish Cafe at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Cinderella Royal Table at Magic Kingdom, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Ariels and Cape May at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort. His latest role was to capture the vision of the Guest, implementing their ideas and turning them into reality as a Convention Services Manager at Walt Disney World.

Sylvester was initiated into the Iota Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated at Florida State University on June 2, 1981. He was a 1985 Charter member of the Xi Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha in Dallas, Texas. After moving to Orlando, Fl, Sylvester served in the Delta Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Sylvester was a social butterfly so becoming a Certified Wine Sommelier and Certified Meeting Planner was the perfect pairing. He also expanded minds by serving as an adjunct professor at the University of Phoenix and Everest College. Last year, Sylvester and his family created TaylorGang Tastings on Facebook to virtually bring people together and share his knowledge of wine and challenging taste buds. He eventually began conducting private wine tastings. His larger than life personality will truly be missed but never forgotten.

He is survived by his wife Emilia Taylor; and their children: Emilio Duan Taylor and Sylaisha Ivy Taylor; his daughter-in-law Idalina Alcantara Taylor; his siblings: Rickie Taylor, Yashica Smith, Tony Smith, Sylvale Daniels, Daisy Davis, Curtis Smith; his nieces and nephews: Joseph Stewart, Jazmine Davis, MeChale Steppes, Richard Taylor, Jeffrey Edwards, Nyteisha Griffin, Ander Rhodes; sisters-in-law: Renetta Marks, Renee’ Taylor, Pamela Thomas-Smith, Angilenna Smith, Fredra Rhodes, Autumn Rhodes; brother-in-law Floyd Daniels, Herbert Rhodes Jr, Edrick Rhodes; and a host of cousins, other relatives and close friends.

Funeral arrangements will be held at 11am, Tuesday, September 21st, at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit our website at http://www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com