Taylor Bryant Scalf Jr.

Taylor Bryant Scalf, Jr., 92, passed away on April 16, 2018 in Tampa, FL. Bryant, as he was known to most friends and family, was born on July 21, 1925 in McKinney, TX to Taylor Bryant Scalf and Hazel Ritter Scalf. A proud Texan, Bryant was a long-time resident of Dallas, Richardson and, most recently, Denton, TX before moving to Tampa in March.

Bryant graduated from Vickery-Hillcrest High School in Dallas where he excelled at football. He joined the U.S. Army Air Force and served his country during World War II. After his honorable discharge, Bryant eagerly enrolled in Southern Methodist University in Dallas and graduated with a business degree in 1949, achieving a lifelong dream to attend SMU and be the first in his family to graduate from college. A passionate and loyal SMU fan, he proudly wore the Red and Blue and supported the Mustangs throughout his life.

In 1950, Bryant married his brown-eyed beauty, Margaret Yvonne Smith. They were partners in love and life, raising three children and owning and managing a successful independent insurance agency in Richardson. Bryant was active in church, civic organizations and his children’s education and activities. He enjoyed leadership roles in the Richardson Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Lion’s Club, the Rotary Club, coaching little league and supporting the LV Berkner High School Ram Band. Bryant was a member of the Masonic Lodge Tannehill No. 52 for 67 years. He also loved flying and put his private pilot’s license to use for many years.

Bryant was a loving husband, Dad, Pop, Grandad and Pop-Pop, and his pride in his family was evident to all who knew him…or met him the first time! He loved to mentor young people and always encouraged them in school, emphasizing learning and the importance of a college degree.

In addition to his parents, Bryant, also known as Sonny, was preceded in death by his infant son, and his sisters, Melba Scalf Curran and Leta Scalf Westbrook. Sister Doris Scalf Parker passed away on May 1, 2018.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, formerly of Denton and now residing in Tampa; his children, Susan Scalf Staples and David, Santa Fe, NM; Dr Lynda Scalf-McIver and Richard McIver, Tampa; Taylor Bryant Scalf, III (Trey) and Stephanie, Littleton, CO; and grandchildren, Caitlin Scalf McIver, Brooklyn, NY; Samuel Scalf and MyKayla, Lakewood, CO; Maxwell Scalf, Taylor Bryant Scalf, IV (Dru) and Roxanne Scalf, Littleton, CO and many nieces, nephews, grand and great nieces and nephews.

An inurnment at Bay Pines National Cemetery in Florida will take place at a later date.