Final Salute

Mark Taylor

After an extended illness, proud veteran and long-time resident of St. Simons Island, Mark Taylor passed away peacefully on Feb. 24, 2020, leaving behind numerous loved ones. Born 85 years ago in Brunswick County, Va., Mark would laugh saying, ” … and I will die just outside of Brunswick, Ga.” He was preceded in death by his mother, Bettie Jackson Bowen; stepfather, Robert Bowen; his father, Henry Mark Taylor Sr.; Ethel Taylor, mother of his children’ and his precious loved dachshund, Lil Pooh.

Mark is survived by his beautiful and adoring wife Linda Taylor; four children, Esther Hirschberg (Andy) of Rocky Mount, N.C., Gerald Taylor (Tricia) of Emporia, Va., Donnie Taylor (Donna) of Emporia, Va., and Robert Krow Taylor (Terri Cox) of Roanoke Rapids, N.C.; two stepdaughters, Jill Lott (Bud) of Hubert, N.C., and Amanda Morgan (Dave) of Shellman Bluff, Ga.; one sister, Betty Jean Kirby of Richmond, Va.; two nephews, Marshall and Stan Kirby; and one special cousin, June Love Harris of Virginia Beach, Va. Also, Mark was affectionately known as “Daddy T” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, except by his oldest grandson, who always referred to him as “Plain Old Mark.”

When meeting Mark for the first time, one might feel a little intimidated by his seemingly formidable presence … perfect posture standing tall, his impeccable attire (always the best-dressed man in the room), and knowing eyes. Mark was never loud and often had a serious look about him. Hence, one would have to listen to him closely and look for the slightest twinkle in his eyes to figure out if he was serious or joking. If he picked on you, that was his sure-tell sign that he liked you. When he smiled, the whole room smiled with him. Mark’s self-prescribed therapy has been years of yard sales, donning him the “Yard Sale King.”

Mark loved his family and friends openly and without reservation. Equally, he loved this country that he served for 20 plus years in the Navy and would have gladly served more. After his service in the Navy, Mark worked 20 years for the Georgia Ports Authority, and 20 years for Sea Island. He was a dedicated and long-standing member of the Brunswick Elks Lodge 691, American Legion Post 2588, VFW and the Raccoons of Bennie’s Red Barn. Mark also enjoyed spending Friday evenings socializing with his friends at Marshside Grill.

A southern gentleman is often envisioned as a man who is well-dressed (even on the hottest of southern days) and debonair. He is one who holds fast to tradition, never leaves a door unopened for a lady, and says, “Yes, ma’am,” and “No, sir.” He has an enviable quiet confidence whose speech is never hurried and whose southern drawl hangs in the air. He is never disrespectful, flamboyant, loud or tawdry. A southern gentleman says what he means and means what he says. He can be counted on to do the right thing, the right way. Mark was the epitome of a southern gentleman. With no regrets, Mark’s was a life well-lived.

A service to celebrate Mark’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27 at Chapman Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to Brunswick Elks Lodge 691, VFW Post 2588 or the American Legion.

Chapman Funeral Chapel & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

Family-placed obituary

The Brunswick News, February 26, 2020