Obituary: Bobby H. Taylor

Bobby H. Taylor, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away Friday, April 5, 2019 at the Cornerstone - Mike Conley Hospice House in Clermont, Florida, surrounded by close family. 

Bobby was born Jan. 3, 1945, in Greenville, South Carolina. He is preceded in death by Morris and Virgie Taylor (parents), Shirley Taylor (wife), Scott Taylor (son) and Grace Smalley (daughter).

Bobby married Shirley Balentine of Greenville, South Carolina, in 1964. They were able to celebrate 50 years of marriage prior to her death.

He is survived by two daughters, Macie Taylor, Apopka, Florida, Betty DelleMonache, Geneva, Florida; one sister, Jean Howard (Pat), Greenville, South Carolina; two brothers, Jimmy Taylor and Larry Taylor (Debbie) of Greenville, South Carolina; many nieces and nephews; as well as nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Bobby had several jobs over the years. He was a Disney World stage hand (head of parade), an I.A.T.S.E. Local #631 Union stage hand member for 40 years, and, at different times, he worked as a projectionist at the Pine Hills Drive-In and the Winter Garden Star-Lite Drive-In theaters.

In the 1960s, Bobby served as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Winter Garden. In 2013, during the fire department’s centennial celebration, Bobby was recognized as the oldest-living volunteer firefighter and was featured in a front-page story by “The West Orange Times.”

His family recalls that Bobby was proudest of his service as a volunteer firefighter because he was able to help people. 

Bobby also was a long-time member of the Ocoee Jaycees. Upon retirement, Bobby spent his time taking care of his wife and family, as he thoroughly enjoyed helping people.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Ocoee Cemetery, 368 E. Geneva St., Ocoee, FL 34761. Flowers are welcome but not necessary; Bobby’s favorite color was red. Flowers must be delivered to the Ocoee Cemetery the day of the service.