Don E. Taylor
Class of 1959

CHESAPEAKE - Don E. Taylor, 70, lovingly known as "Pop Pop," departed this life Saturday, July 16, 2011, after a hard-fought battle with cancer in the arms of his loving wife and surrounded by his family. Don was born July 1, 1941 in Portsmouth, the third son to the late James and Helen K. Taylor. He grew up in Cradock and graduated from Cradock High School. As an adult, he received his associate's degree at Tidewater Community College. He was employed with the government as a telecommunications specialist. He also worked for Western Electric. He was an active member of the Ambassador Club of Portsmouth and Western Branch Athletic Club. He coached baseball, the boys and girls basketball, the girls softball in Western Branch, and the Western Branch Packers. He was involved with the PIT for many years as a coach then the head of the transportation committee and won the Harry "Hook" Hilman award. He loved beach music and "shag dancing" with his bride.

He was married to and survived by his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Dorothy R. "Mike" Taylor and they would have been married for 50 years in September. He is also survived by his only daughter, Michele T. Graupmann (Robert) of Chesapeake; three sons, Todd Taylor of Chesapeake, Sean Taylor (Cris) and Scott Taylor (Diana) of Portsmouth; his much-loved grandchildren, Mallory and Jay James, Lauren Gruapmann, Collin, Corbin and Abbey Taylor, Ryan Baggett, Kirsten and Patrick Worley, Shane Taylor and McKenzie and Ian Taylor; a special friend to the family, Jerry Freeman; his brothers, Jackie R. Taylor (Avenell) of Suffolk and Stephen T. Taylor (Lisa) of Portsmouth; a brother-in-law, William E. Riley Jr. "Pat" (Mary) of Ocean Sands, N.C. He was predeceased by his brothers, James and Aubrey Taylor, in-laws, Minnie L. and William E. Riley Sr.; and a brother-in-law, Gregory L. "Rusty" Riley. Don loved his family and all sports but he especially loved his N.Y. Yankees, Washington Redskins, ODU Football and ODU Men's and Women's Basketball. He followed Randolph-Macon's Women's Volleyball team for which his granddaughter Mallory is a member. He was the proud "Pop Pop" to all his grandchildren. Dad, "Did you ever know that you were our HERO" and mom will never dance again. To your grandchildren you were a great teacher and coach. You have no idea how much you will be missed but you fought the good fight. The family would like to thank the "angels" on 6RP at SNGH for their loving care and kindness during his three-week stay but especially Ann, Amy and Quita. Don continued to give even after he passed and thanks to his donation two people are now able to see. His "ashes to ashes" wish was to be cremated.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, July 19, at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel, from 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 515 Court St., Portsmouth, on Wednesday, July 20, at 2 p.m. followed by a reception in the social hall. A separate memorial service will be held at the Ambassador Club of Portsmouth on Peninsula Avenue and will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 21, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or the Ambassador Club Scholarship Fund. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on July 18, 2011