After noting the orange toboggan Andy Taylor wore, a visitor asked what football team Andy cheered for, which team could claim him as a fan. Having lived 84 years, Andy had plenty of time to settle on a team that would have his loyalty regardless of the record, the coach, the strength of the schedule, the depth of the team, or the fan base that joined him. Without hesitation, the answer came, "Vernon High School. He's a Vernon Yellow Jackets fan." Andy Taylor demonstrated loyalty and unfailing support for all those he cheered for and loved. His commitment and devotion were seen in his service to his country, his pride in his family, and his appreciation for his friends and community. Charles Andrew "Andy" Taylor was born July 15, 1929 in Marion, Ohio. Seventeen years later he joined the United States Army and had a career that took him to three continents, service in World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Viet Nam War. He retired from the US Army after 24 years and 4 months active duty, retiring as a Sergeant Major with the 82nd Airborne Division. A decorated military leader and veteran, SGM Taylor was awarded two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts. His legacy as a soldier was carried on by three of his sons who served in the U.S. Army. He also had a son serve in the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force, and the United States Marine Corps. Three grandsons have also followed in his boot steps with their military service. After retiring from the United States Army, Andy worked for the Florida State Veterans' Employment System and retired from there. Like so many others growing up in the depression, he had to quit school as a boy in order to provide financial support for his family. He earned his GED while in the U.S. Army, and set an example as an adult learner for his children. He also established a clear standard of valuing education and those who provided it. Taking advantage of opportunities offered by the Washington County School System, he attended Washington-Holmes Area Vocational Technical School carpentry and horticulture classes. Andy was a volunteer with the Gideons, VFW Post 10085, and Live Oak Baptist Church. He was very active in the Military Order of the Cooties, an arm of the VFW committed to reaching out to hospitalized troops and veterans during their confinement and rehabilitation at Veterans Administration facilities throughout the country. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Rose Taylor. In addition to being an example for continuing education himself, his support of his Rose while she was in nursing school demonstrated that making someone's dreams come true is a collaborative effort. The idea of a husband and father taking charge of the kitchen and child rearing while also working outside the home might have been an anomaly for much of society in the '70's, but it was standard operating procedure at the Taylor house. The Rose M. Taylor Nursing Scholarship at Troy University was established to honor his beloved wife. As a resident of Homestead Village in Pensacola, Andy made nativity scene barns to assist in seasonal decorating, provided humor and wisdom to staff and other residents, and had a dozen roses put on the dining table each week in honor of his Rose before and after her death. Throughout his life Andy remained actively involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren rooting for them as they continued their educations, joined the workforce, and played every sport from softball to rugby. Every year for the last 49 years, with the exception of two years, there has been a descendant of Andy Taylor enrolled in school in Vernon, FL. He was a fan of every one.
On two occasions, as his Army units faced the possibility of not returning from their assignments because of the brutal war they were fighting, Andy wrote his Rose farewell letters. He recognized what was ahead and was prepared for it, for the love of her, his family, and his country. He was not aware every day of all that lay before him as he lived his life, but he faced each day fearlessly, resolved to make the most out of every moment for those he was with and for those who would follow. When Andy Taylor faced death, he knew what lay ahead and leaves generations recognizing his whole life was a love letter written and lived by an imperfect gem made perfect September 28, 2013. His surviving children are James (Bev), Martin, Will (Terrie), Nicey (Jay), Joe (Olinda), Ray (Kathy), Thom (Tanya), and Beth. He was loved and will be missed by his six granddaughters, 12 grandsons, and 10 great-grandchildren as well as nieces, nephews, and Helen Brown, a very special friend. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, October 2, 5:00-8:00 PM at Brown Funeral Home, Brickyard Road Chapel, Chipley, FL. The funeral service and celebration of his life will be Thursday, October 3, at 11:00 AM at Live Oak Baptist Church in Millers Ferry. Interment will follow the service. All arrangements are being directed by Brown Funeral Home, Chipley, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Gideons, P.O. Box 308, Chipley, FL.