Ralph E. Taylor, 102, formerly of Warsaw, died Nov. 3, 2010, in Legacy House, Ocala, Fla.
He was born Aug. 2, 1908, in Huntington, to David R. and Mary Ellen Miller Taylor. He was preceded in death by his first and second wives, Geraldine Jones Taylor and Leona P. Taylor. On Nov. 21, 1981, in Warsaw, he married Kathryn L. Neer, who survives.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy March 20, 1944, in Detroit, Mich., and began active duty Sept. 25, 1944, serving during World War II and receiving the Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged from San Pedro, Calif., Oct. 26, 1945, as a motor machinist mate 2nd class. He was a manager for Kroger during the Depression; was a corporate manager for Coin Meter Co., Ann Arbor, Mich. (affiliated with University of Michigan), for 30 years, retiring in 1968; and was commander of the A.A. Power Squadron, where he taught safe boating, seamanship and navigation for 17 years. He was an avid, advanced boat pilot. He was a member of Christian Church of Pennville, American Legion Post 49; Moose Lodge and Elks. He enjoyed boating, camping and dancing.
Also surviving are two sons, Jimmie K. Taylor, Auburn, and Philip J. Taylor, Coldwater, Mich.; a stepson, Dennis Hatfield, Ocala; a sister, Fern (and spouse Don) Quine, Indianapolis; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 24 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, William Ray Taylor (Philip’s twin brother); a stepson, Dale Ernest; and three brothers, Dean, the Rev Burl and Oren Taylor.
A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw, with his nephew, Dana Neer, officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, with military graveside honors by members of American Legion Post 49 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1126.
Calling is one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home.
***** Memorials may be made to Hospice of Marion County Inc., P.O. Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34478-4860. Condolences may be sent via www.titusfuneralhome.com
