Robert Thomas Taylor

Robert Thomas Taylor, affectionately known as “Tommie” was born March 8, 1944 in Portsmouth, Virginia. He went to his heavenly home on February 11, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward S. and Betty C. Taylor, and his wife Nancy Joyce Taylor. Tommie is survived by his son Robby Taylor (Abbey), stepson George McLeod (Shannon), stepdaughter Tammy McLeod Howell, six grandchildren, Brennan, Seanna, Koa, Niamh, Aven, Elliott and one great grandchild, Brenleigh. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Jo Jackson (Blackie), nieces and nephews and his very dear friend Barbara Smith.

Tommie graduated from Hargrave Military Academy in 1963. He then completed a two year training program at Norfolk Botanical Gardens after which he accepted a position with the Hampton Roads Agricultural and Research Center as a Horticultural Assistant. He then worked 44 years at the station, retiring in 2014.

Tommie, Nancy and family loved visiting their timeshare at Sea Scape yearly in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina and did so for many years. Tommie loved all sports and spent much time watching them. He also enjoyed watching and cheering for his grandchildren, Brennan and Seanna who played baseball and softball.

The last years of his life, Tommie and Barbara enjoyed attending Freedom Fellowship, taking Bible Courses, watching good movies, playing cards with close friends, Lou and Ray Avallone, and visiting with Betty Jo and Blackie Jackson. To quote Barbara, “On Saturday, February 11th, the clock of my heart stopped when I heard and saw the events taking place.”

Tommie spent this past week at Sea Scape Villa along with Betty Jo, Blackie and Barbara, shopping, eating out, cooking, playing bingo and his favorite card game; Contract Rummy. On Saturday, while preparing to go home, he suffered a major heart attack, and left this earthly home for his heavenly home.

A funeral service for Robert will be held Monday, February 20, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462, followed by a reception to follow .

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Freedom Fellowship in Tommie's honor.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kellumfuneralhome.com for the Taylor family.