Jo Bob
Taylor
August 22, 1937 - March 9, 2022
FLORENCE – Jo Bob (JB) Taylor, 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday morning, March 9.
Jo Bob was born and raised in Gregory, Texas and graduated from Gregory-Portland High School. He attended Austin College in Sherman, Texas where he met the love of his life, Margaret, who he married in September of 1959. In addition, he earned his Master’s degree from Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M in Kingsville).
JB taught and was an assistant principal in the Gregory-Portland Independent School District for eight years before being employed by Reynolds Metals Company. While working for Reynolds he and his family lived in Gregory, Texas; Portland, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela; and, finally, in 1978, moved to Florence. He had a very successful career with Reynolds and, after almost 30 years, retired in 2000.
Jo Bob was an avid University of Alabama football fan and made a point to never miss a game. He was also a fan of UNA sports and attended many football games and especially enjoyed watching the Girls’ softball team play. He also had many other hobbies and activities he enjoyed…golf, tennis and ACBL Bridge (Life Master), he was a member of the Men’s Garden Club, and worked for as a variety of legislative causes and campaigns for the advancement of the Shoals. JB never met a stranger and enjoyed talking with people he met in every walk of life.
JB was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Margaret Grace Edmiston Taylor; his parents J. Robert and Josephine Taylor; and his Sister Martha Agatha Johnson (Robert E.). He leaves behind two loving daughters, Cris Taylor Stephenson (Robert), and Traci Taylor Welch (Don); four grandchildren Jennifer Howard (Adam), Joe Libera (Chelsea), Dan Libera (Katie); and Sarah Forward (Dave); three great grandchildren, Lillian Libera, Harrison Libera and June Libera; and niece Eileen Johnson Cross.
The family would like to thank Kindred Hospice for their care and guidance over the last several months. Our dad always enjoyed your visits.
A celebration of life will be held to remember Jo Bob at Sweet Basil Café located at 1627 Darby Drive in Florence on Friday, March 18, from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Friends of Jo Bob will be encouraged to share their memories during the celebration.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity.
Celebration of Life
March 18, 2022
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Sweet Basil, Darby Drive, Florence, AL
Celebration of Life
Sweet Basil Alabama, Darby Drive, Florence, AL, USA
March 18, 2022 4:00 pm
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10 Comments on “Jo Bob Taylor”
We enjoyed knowing he and Margaret, played bridge with them. He was a fine man.
Bob and Lea Black
Such a nice person ! Always enjoyed talking with JB . I’m so sorry…
Traci, prayers for you and Cris and the rest of the family. I loved “Dad” and glad he is now with “Mom”. Much Love!
many fond memories of a great Reynolds colleague and a valued friend.
J.B. was a fine Christian man.
We are not physically able to attend the MEMORIAL SERVICES!! Love and prayers to all the FAMILY FOR COMFORT ! JB was a good man, full of good works to benefit others !! He will be missed !!
Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss of a really sweet guy. Jo Bob was one of the friendly faces who welcomed me to MTL back in 1992 and I will always be grateful to have known him. He was always kind and funny and generous.
I grew up next to your Dad. He taught me how to ride a bike, play football and was my playmate. My grandmother was Ola McCann and my name was Mary Lynn Barker. My condolences to you all.
Hi Mary Lynn. Thank you for your note. At Daddy’s Celebration of Life, we read excerpts from his memoirs. He had such fond memories of growing up in Gregory. His grandkids each read one piece – one on his earliest memories mostly about the war, one on the filling station, and one on the farm. Then several people got up and shared memories of Daddy. It was a nice gathering and I think he would have been pleased. I am glad to know that someone who cared about Daddy saw the obituary. Thank you, again, for your note.