Robert Taylor

Robert R. "Roy" Taylor, Jr., Lt. Col. U. S. Army (ret) died at home on September 12, 2011 in Gulf Breeze, FL. A veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam, born in 1926 in Baton Rouge, graduated from Baton Rouge High in 1943 and attended L.S.U. for one quarter before enlisting in the Navy. He served in the Pacific Theater aboard the U.S.S. Harcourt as Quartermaster and at war's end participated in the Occupation of Japan. When discharged in 1946, he returned to L.S.U., served in R.O.T.C. and was a member of Scabbard and Blade. Upon graduating in 1950 with a B.A. in history, he was awarded the Distinguished Military Student Badge and a commission as Second Lieutenant Infantry in the Army Reserves. Following the outbreak of the Korean War, he was called to active duty and was offered a Regular Army Commission and chose Calvary branch (later Armored Cavalry). A short duty in 2nd Armored Division was followed by orders to 2nd Infantry Division in Korea where he served as a Tank Platoon Leader in 72nd battalion in 1950-51 participating in the battles of Kunu-Ri and Heartbreak Ridge. Subsequent assignments included tours in Germany during the occupation as Tank Company Commander and Reconnaissance Troop Commander with 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Other assignments included instructor for L.S.U. R.O.T.C. from 1958-61. In 1964 he transferred to the intelligence branch, G2 Intelligence U. S. Army Camp Zama, Japan. His final duty station was as Assistant G-2, US Army Pacific, Ft. Shafter, Hawaii where he retired in November 1971. His military awards include the Bronze Star with "V" Device (Korea), Bronze Star (Vietnam), Meritorious Service, Asiatic Pacific Campaign, American Campaign, WWII Victory, two National Defense Service, Occupation Service Japan, Occupation Service Germany, Korean Service, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, United Nations Korean Service, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Service medals. Colonel Taylor devoted his post-military career to family and volunteer activities in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Active with the city's Development and Park Advisory board, he served as board member and chairman and was responsible for development of major park facilities. He supported local veterans' organizations (VFW, MOAA) and volunteered with the local Red Cross for ten years assisting active duty and reserve service personnel and their dependents aboard the Navy Hospital, Pensacola. He was also an active member of the Pensacola Beach Yacht Club, and Navy Yacht club participating in many sailing regattas. He was a member of the LSU Cadets of the Ole War Skule (honored by the Ole War Skule in Nov. 2008 with his name on the Wall of Fame) and the L.S.U. Alumni Association, Panhandle Bayou Bengals (Pensacola). Lt.Col. Taylor resided in Gulf Breeze since 1978. He was preceded in death by his sister Joanne Duhon, and his wife of 63 years, Ella May (Pat) Fillastre Taylor. He is survived by his sister Beverly Leche of Ft Worth, TX; his daughters Patricia G. Taylor of Austin, TX; and Tracy L. Taylor of Mission Viejo, CA; his son, Troy S. Taylor of Collierville, TN; granddaughter Alexandra P. Taylor, of Memphis, TN; and grandson Nikolas W. Taylor of Collierville, TN. A memorial service will be held at 1:15pm Friday, September 16, 2011 at Barrancas National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association. Condolences may be left at roselawn-fh.com

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