Bob R. Taylor, Sr.

Bob R. Taylor, Sr., 81, of Valdosta died February 20, 2014, at his home in Valdosta surrounded by his family. Mr. Taylor was born in Milan, Tennessee on July 22, 1932, the son of Otha Lee and Robbie Wall Taylor. Raised in Somerville, Tennessee, Mr. Taylor graduated from Fayette County High School and earned a collegiate football scholarship to the University of Mississippi. A veteran of the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict, he was assigned to Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia.

While serving at Moody AFB, Mr. Taylor met and married Geneva (Sheffield). Theirs was a truly extraordinary relationship filled with devotion, respect, and immeasurable love. They were married at Lee Street Baptist Church, and the primary focus of the young Taylor family was their church life. Mr. Taylor served in several capacities and ministries while at Lee Street Baptist. He was a charter member of Azalea City Baptist Church, which was created from former members of Lee Street Baptist Church. Mr. Taylor's dream became a reality when, in 1998, Lee Street Baptist and Azalea City Baptist merged to become Crossroads Baptist Church. The circle was complete when the two churches merged and their church family was reunited. Throughout his life, Mr. Taylor's responsibility to the Church, and his oath as a Deacon were of great importance to him.

Mr. Taylor was well-known in the Valdosta business community for his retail clothing shops. A pioneer of customer service and advertising, his business philosophy was, "The best advertisement is a satisfied customer." His first endeavor, "The Casual Shop," was opened in 1956 with business partner Ed Blalock. He later opened "Taylor's Men's Shop," "Taylor's Clothing for Women and Children," and "The Western Shop." All were located at Brookwood Plaza on Patterson Street. He opened "Taylor's Dad & Lad" shop at Five Points Shopping Center, which later moved to Taylor's Plaza on North Ashley Street. Through the years, he created several bold and unique advertising campaigns that intrigued the community. He operated the shop with his son Rex until 1984. After his retirement from the retail business, Mr. Taylor began a career in real estate.

As the patriarch of his family, Mr. Taylor was a caring and loving husband, father, and grandfather. A role model to his family in all things good and honorable – courage, wisdom, and compassion – he instilled a true sense of integrity and character in his children and grandchildren. His family celebrates the joy that his life brought to them. His spirit will be forever treasured and greatly missed.

Mr. Taylor was predeceased by his parents; three brothers Gene Taylor, Billy Taylor, and Jerry Taylor; and grandson, Justin Taylor Hobdy.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 59 years, Geneva Taylor; his children Debbie Taylor (Cooley)Hobdy of Valdosta, Rex Taylor (Malinda) of Lake Park, Robbie Taylor of Valdosta; grandchildren John Hobdy, Josh Hobdy (Lindsey), Madison Taylor, Travis Wooldridge, Taylor Wooldridge, and Garrett McDowell; sisters-in-law Bonnie Taylor (Jackson, MS), Mildred Evans (Valdosta, GA), Emma Lou McConnell (Valdosta, GA), and Sue Austin (Steve) (San Antonio, TX); brother-in-law Paul Sheffield (Cochran, GA); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mr. Taylor was cared for at home by his wife and caregivers of Grace/Halcyon Hospice and special caregivers, Michelle Taylor, Beverly Holloway, Christina Ponder, Molly West, Angela Hart, Shana Allen, Darlene Machuca, Vida Boyd, Alice Wilkerson, Lisa Johnson, and Carol Brooks.

Services will be held at Crossroads Baptist Church on Monday, February 24, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. James Walker of Asheville, N.C., and Dr. Ken Alford of Crossroads Baptist officiating. Mr. Taylor' six grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends before the service at the church from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Justin Taylor Hobdy Memorial Fund in care of Community Foundation of South Georgia, P.O. Box 2654, 135 N. Broad Street, Thomasville, GA 31799. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602