Dennis Owen Taylor

Dennis Owen Taylor, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend was born on August 4, 1934 in Jackson Town, Trelawny, Jamaica to Wilfred and Maud (White) Taylor. Dennis was the third of five children and was brother to Merle, Boise, Leo, and Joyce (Peggy).

He attended First Hill Elementary Primary School and First Hill Congregational Church in Jackson Town. As a boy he had a love of math, and upon finding and repairing an old “box” camera, he discovered his passion for mechanics, which led to his eventual career in engineering. Dennis earned a scholarship to attend Excelsior High School in Kingston, J.A. After graduating, he worked in the accounts department at the Collector General’s office, where he met the love of his life, Marion Ellis.

Dennis moved to the U.S. to study Electrical Engineering at Howard University in Washington, DC, while Marion moved to New York to study nursing. Finding the distance too great, Dennis moved to NYC to complete his studies at the New York Institute of Technology, then worked for Con Edison. He and Marion were married in 1965 and had both of their daughters, Christine and Andrea, in NYC. Marion “Huns”, Chris, and Andrea were “his girls” and he devoted himself to their comfort and care throughout his life. Dennis’ 58+ year marriage to his beloved Marion was a testament to devoted love, true partnership, respect, and caring.

Part of the generation of impassioned young professionals eager to put their skills toward the development of a newly independent Jamaica, Dennis and Marion brought their young family back to Jamaica in 1974. Dennis became a founding partner in the engineering firm Warren Anderson & Associates. Though short lived, their stay in J.A. gave them the opportunity to reconnect with family and the culture of their homeland. In 1976 the family moved to Melbourne, Florida, and Dennis found a long and satisfying career as an electrical engineer with Southern Bell/ATT. Also upon his return to the states, Dennis wanted to have some “land around him.” He got his wish and contracted a house that was built in a serene wooded neighborhood. His favorite pastimes were working in his yard, fixing cars, and tinkering. The family has called that lovely house on Mustang Rd. home for 46 years!

Dennis’ love of family was visible throughout his life. As a child, he was a good and considerate son who helped his parents in the family store and gave wise counsel to his siblings. When he met Marion, he befriended the entire Ellis family and formed a bond that extended to future in-laws. One of Dennis’s favorite roles was as “Uncle D” to his many nieces and nephews. His nephew, Jason Hart, came to live with the family to attend high school in Florida, and Dennis’ care and dedication was extended to Jason as a son. Dennis also thrived as a grandfather to his grandson, Evan Holly (Andrea) and granddaughter, Sophia Conda (Christine). He delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, looking for fish or frogs in the pond or having tea parties on the floor.

He had long-standing friends who were more like family. He was respected by neighbors, friends, and co-workers. He was an excellent listener, a source of gentle wisdom, and a brother to many. Dennis had a profound effect on many people, including those he met even for a brief time.

Throughout his life, his Christian faith was his North Star. Dennis was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church for over 40 years. He attended regularly (usually sitting in the 5th pew on the left). Dennis was active in the church and its many ministries, and he strengthened his faith through participation in the United Methodist Emmaus Walk program.

Dennis is survived by his wife Marion, daughters Christine (husband David) and Andrea, grandchildren Evan and Sophia and sister Joyce Blackstock.

The Celebration of Life for Dennis will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., Emmanuel United Methodist Church 2800 W Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne, Florida 32935. A graveside service will occur Friday, July 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 South US Highway 1, Rockledge, Florida.

Luncheon to Follow in Corton Hall

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Genesis Pantry Ministry (https://www.emmanuelmelbourne.org/give) at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Melbourne, FL.

The service will be live streamed via YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@emmanuelmelbournefl/streams

Or through the church’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/z2upfP4uLsimZNXU/?mibextid=LQQJ4d