Joseph R. Taylor, Jr.

CMSgt (Ret) Joseph R. Taylor Jr. passed away in the early morning of February 24th, 2020 in Bowie, MD. He was born in Chicago, IL. in 1946, and lived through college in North Carolina.  He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph R. Taylor Sr, and his mother Evelyn Jones Taylor Watkins. He is survived by his wife of twenty-nine years, CMSgt (Ret.) Barbara S. Taylor, their two children, Jordan R. Taylor and Gabriel L. Taylor, his brothers Andrew "Andy" Taylor and Michael Taylor. He is also survived by loving brothers and sisters-in- law, nieces, nephews, more cousins than we can mention, countless professional and personal friends, and his favorite 4- legged companion, Samson.

Joseph received his Bachelor of Music degree from East Carolina University and his Masters of Arts in Music Education from Louisiana Tech University. After college and teaching music in the public-school system, he served 27 honorable and faithful years in the United States Air Force as both a “Diamond wearing” First Sergeant, and a percussionist and Band Manager in the United States Air Force Bands program.  After his retirement from the military in 2000, Joseph worked for the Federal Government at the National Archives.

Joseph was a fervent lover of classical music and going to the opera, especially with his forever friend, Chuck Murray. He enjoyed great meals, conversations, playing cards and board games with his wife and their friends, going to the movies, watching and going to sporting events, and watching Jeopardy with his best friend Barbara, going on dates, watching pop culture and laughing with Jordan, and reading the entire Harry Potter series and discussing plays and musical theatre with Gabriel.

Joseph was very grateful for his Lord and Savior, and was assured of his salvation.  He was endlessly funny, could tell a story better than anyone we knew, loved deeply, and was truly self-sacrificing. We were all thrilled that Joseph lived long enough to see the Cubs win the World Series. Cubs Win! Cubs Win!

Our Joseph will be forever missed, but NEVER forgotten. Chief "T" will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at a date in the future.

“They hear drums. We hear music.” - Stephen Sondheim