MSGT Roy W. Taylor, USAF Ret.

Roy W. Taylor, age 86, of Bear, DE, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 1, 2017. Born in Graceton, PA on January 24, 1931 to the late Harry and Nellie (Alsop) Taylor, Roy was one of eight children. At the start of the Korean War, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served for the next 20 years. He said he joined the USAF because he loved the smart blue uniform. Roy traveled all around the United States, lived in Germany for several years, and retired after serving in Vietnam. He then worked for the USPS in Southeastern, PA for 23 years, where he met his adoring wife, Elaine. Like twins, you rarely saw Roy without Elaine or vice versa. They treasured their life together with unrelenting warmth. A handsome and charming gentleman, Roy loved all the ladies and was known as the world’s best hugger. He enjoyed jogging, golfing, and hunting, but he put aside his hobbies to dedicate himself to serving the Lord in many capacities at Union United Methodist Church in Bear, where he was a member. Roy volunteered for years at the Union Church Food Closet providing nourishing food to those less fortunate. He loved the work and people, often saying, Jesus told me to feed the poor and that’s what I am doing. In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by two sons, Ronald and Richard. He will meet again Above with his siblings, Boise, Bob, Dave, Jane, Ruth and youngest brother, Floyd. Roy is survived by his brother, Rev. Vaughn Taylor of Indiana, PA. Roy’s favorite thing in life were family gatherings. He loved his daughter, Susan Padilla Moore and her husband Doug and grandsons, Zachary (son Julian) and Tyler (Jamie and Baby Kenzie) with whom he loved playing dice. He enjoyed every moment spent with his son, Michael Padilla and his wife, Mary and grandchildren, Michael, Lindsey, and Kelsey. Roy’s wife and family were the joys of his life and he was adored by all. He loved his family, children, dogs, Old Spice after shave and Life Savers mints. Roy is also survived by his daughter, Susan Brower (Harry); son, T. Robert (Teresa); 7 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren. He thoroughly enjoyed visits from his grandson, Travis Brower (Carrie) and their three little girls and granddaughter, Jessica Sammataro (Mike) and their children. Services and interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Roy’s memory may be sent to Union United Methodist Church, 345 School Bell Rd, Bear, DE 19701.