Robert Ralph Taylor

Robert Ralph Taylor, 78, of West Queen Street, Edenton, NC, died Wednesday, February 26, 2014 in Vidant Chowan Hospital. "Bob" was born in Bradford, PA on December 29, 1935, and was the son of the late James Neri and Anna Margaret Dalton Taylor. A graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, he used his creative mind and marketing skills in his career of sales and advertising, working in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Upon retiring to Edenton in 1998, he began working for The Bertie Ledger newspaper in Windsor where he sold advertising for eight years. After retiring from that position, he sold advertising for the Edenton Steamers baseball organization for several years. A past president of the Rotary Club in Windsor, he was past president and an active member of the Edenton Lions Club where he started the "Breakfast for the Blind", an annual fundraiser that is again being held this Saturday, March 1st. While serving with the Lions, he was twice selected as "Lion of the Year", in 2009-10, and in 2011-12. A faithful member of Edenton Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon, he also taught Sunday School for many years in their outreach program at Chowan River Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Other community involvements included work with the Edenton-Chowan Food Pantry, and his morning commute to spend time with the regulars at McDonalds. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Sandra Hardy. Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Alma Hardison Taylor; his children, son, Tedford Taylor and partner Kevin Hulbirt of Trenton, NJ, and daughter, Tamara Taylor Turner and husband Jeffrey, and their children, Lauren and Luke Turner of Millersville, MD; a sister, Barbara Dragoone of Smithport, PA, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and his many friends. Visitation will be held at the home, 1207 West Queen Street, on Saturday, March 1st, from 2 to 5 p.m. A memorial service will be held the following Saturday, March 8th, at 2:00 p.m. in Edenton Baptist Church, and will be officiated by the Rev. David Brooks. A reception will follow in the church social hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Edenton Baptist Church, 200 S. Granville St., or to the Edenton Lions Club, P.O. Box 702, or to the Edenton-Chowan Food Pantry, P.O. Box 643, all in Edenton, NC 27932. Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.