Raymond F. Taylor of Apopka, Florida, passed away on September 19, 2019. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Winnifred “Winn” Taylor, and his parents Alton Brooks Taylor and Virginia Elizabeth Robertson Taylor. He is survived by his sister, Barbara A. Taylor, and his beloved step-daughters, AliceLee Frizielle and her son Taylor Robbins, and Amy Scott Schueler and her husband Scott. Raymond’s step-grandson,Connor Shilling, passed away on February 6, 2020. Ray was an awesome grandfather to Taylor and Connor, who affectionately called him “T”. He was cherished like a loving brother and uncle by Winn’s family - her siblings, Rebecca (Rick) Sickles, Frank (Lucie) Wadsworth, and Howard (Annettee) Wadsworth; and their children, Todd (Erika) Sickles and family and Elizabeth Sickles; Carrie, Jacob (Hannah) and family and Joshua (Lauren) Wadsworth; and Madison and Mackenzie Wadsworth. Raymond was previously married to Julia Ward, and they had three children - Garrett, David and Kellie Taylor.
Raymond was born on September 23, 1935, in Fort Sheridan, Illinois. His family moved to Tuskegee, Alabama, after his father’s retirement from the U.S. Army. Raymond attended Tuskegee High School where he enjoyed playing football and basketball. He attended Marion Military Institute and Troy University. He served in the U.S. Army for 22 years, and during this time he was stationed in Germany and later served two tours in Vietnam where his duties included being a courier of confidential military information. After his military career,Raymond worked on oil rigs in Louisiana and was a driver for Old Dominion Freight Lines. When he became reacquainted with Winn at a Tuskegee High School reunion, both of their lives were changed forever. Raymond moved to Orlando, Florida, and married Winn. Raymond’s sister and mother also moved to the Orlando area. Winn’s daughters and their sons resided nearby, and Raymond enjoyed being surrounded by his extended family.
Raymond will be remembered for his easy-going personality, his tender family love and quiet caregiving, his love of Tuskegee and his friendships there, his enjoyment of sports, and his service to our nation. In retirement he loved a good round of golf, and in rehab he worked hard to stand tall and putt straight. Always with a smile on his face. Everybody loved Raymond. Rest in peace, our dear Ray.
This was written in memoriam to honor the life of Raymond Taylor one year after his death. The family extends thanks to Corbitt’s Funeral Home of Tuskegee, Alabama, for posting this on their website.