Robert Lee Taylor

Robert (Bobby) Taylor, 87, passed away peacefully September 10, 2024, at Tidal Health Hospital in Seaford, after sudden illness. Saddened by this loss, his family will miss his caring, sunny nature. His easy disposition made it a rarity to ever hear him complain.

Bobby was born November 13, 1936, to Mildred (nee Waller) and Wilson (Tait) Taylor. His mother, a beautiful woman who doted on her son, passed away when Bobby was just a young boy. After a few years, his father remarried Ruth (Blades) Taylor, and she became a loving stepmother to Bobby, raising him in the family home. Two more children were born, and Bobby was surrounded by the love of a family.

During his formative years he attended Blades United Methodist Church, all dressed up in his little suits.

He graduated Seaford High School in 1954, and soon after became a member of the Delaware National Guard.

Bobby married Barbara Willey, and their son, Robert T. was born, but died in infancy, and the marriage ended shortly after.

Later, he married Sandy (nee Moore) Lank and became a caring step-father to her son, David Lank. The couple later welcomed their son, Shane, to the family.

Bobby worked with his father in the family business, Taylor’s Auto Service, leaving to take a job as shop foreman for Burton Chevrolet for several years. After his father retired, Bobby came back to operate the business his father established. After the death of his father, he added friend, Jim Tuck, to the business as partner and co·owner.

After debilitating illness, he retired from Taylor’s Auto, and he and Sandy later moved to Florida.

In 2016, he returned to Seaford and resided at the Seaford Center healthcare facility.

Over the years, Bobby created lasting friendships with many of his customers, truly caring about people as friends on a personal level.

Bobby was passionate about automobiles and owned several Corvettes over the years. He was interested in the intricacy of mechanical systems, which led him to build a few motors for racecars. He loved drag racing in his younger years, and watching NASCAR, calling his brother every week to excitedly discuss race results.

He is survived by his son, Shane (Jocelyn), Laurel; stepson, David Lank, FL; brother Jeff Taylor (Cindy), Seaford; and sister, Tracy Morris (Doug), Seaford; nieces, Sarah Wills, OR; Claire Haas, PA; Caitlin Keovel, Seaford; and nephew, Matt Morris, VA. He is also survived by several cousins, and his former wife and friend, and son’s mother, Sandy.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Robert T. Taylor, and mother of his child, Barbara, along with his mother and father, his stepmother Ruth Taylor, and grandparents.

A private graveside service for the family will be held on September 26, per his wishes, with interment in the family plot at Blades Cemetery.

All arrangements are being handled by Cranston Funeral Home.

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