Thomas Francis Taylor

Born September 28, 1947 to Frank and Marjorie Taylor in Washington, DC, Tom was their third child after his older sisters Joan and Michele, and followed by his younger sister Kathi.

A Purple Heart recipient, Tom served his country with honor in Vietnam from March 1969 to November 1970 as an SP5 Engineer, building barracks, bridges and defensive positions to protect his brothers-in-arms.

He returned home from war, marrying Colleen King on March 20th of 1971 and took up work as a Foreman for the Duval County School Board where he served for the next 38 years.

Quick with a joke—and a mischievous smile—Tommy loved camping and road trips, stopping to read historical markers, golf, softball, Florida Gator’s football, coaching his children and being the go-to handy man when anyone needed a repair.

His loyalty to others was exceeded only by his devotion to his wife and his commitment to the duties of fatherhood. He gave himself faithfully to both roles for 47 years, never wavering in his love and support for his wife, son, and daughter.

He passed away gently on September 19th due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease. He is survived by his wife Colleen, his two children Kevin & Lesley, their spouses and his three sisters.

A memorial service will be held in his honor on Friday, September 28, 2018 at 10:00am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1415 McDuff Ave. S., Jacksonville, FL 32205. HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL PARK & FUNERAL HOME, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205.