Robert “Bob” Richard Taylor Jr.

Robert “Bob” Richard Taylor Jr. passed away quietly on the evening of February 27, 2025 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He is predeceased by his parents, Bob and Thelma Taylor and his stepmother of thirty-three years, Kathryn Taylor. Born on October 12, 1939 in Zanesville, Ohio he was the oldest of six children – Harry (deceased), Tom and Ann (twins) and Steve and Jane (also twins if you can believe it). He also has a step-brother, Don Hindman. Bob grew up in Ebensberg, PA and later moved to South Carolina to attend Bob Jones University. After graduating in 1962 he joined the math faculty and made Greenville his home. One year later he married the love of his life, Barbara Hindman. This foundation of a family was the start of just one of his many legacies.

As a brilliant mathematician he was not just an educator but also a bit of a professional student. He continued his education over the next twenty-five years receiving a M.A in Math from Penn State in 1965, a Ph.D. in Math from Clemson in 1973 and an MBA from the University of South Carolina in 1987. During his 50+ years teaching at Bob Jones University he impacted the lives of thousands of students and hundreds of faculty members. His responsibilities over that time included Chairman of the Math Department, Dean of the School of Business and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences which was the position he held when he retired. Though his leadership and organizational talents led him to administration his heart remained in the classroom. He loved his students and was committed to their success in the classroom and in their lives beyond it. Over more than five decades he and Barb built deep and lasting friendships with other members of the faculty that to this day are counted among the greatest treasures of their lives.

Many people see a situation and wonder what can be done. Bob was one who saw a situation and started doing. His desire to impact the community he lived in led him to politics in 1968. Though it would be decades before he would choose to run for office himself, he served as an advisor or manager of countless campaigns from the early 70’s to as recently as 2020. If you were contemplating running as a Republican someone was going to tell you “talk to Bob” for advice. Congressman, Senators, Cabinet members and Ambassadors were included among those who valued his friendship and counsel. In 2000 he finally put his name on the ballot and for the next twenty years he served on the Greenville County Council including time as the Council Chairman.

In his forties he discovered a love for outdoors. Hunting season was chance to escape, unwind and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. From late summer through the end of the year he exchanged a suit and tie for camouflage cargos and an orange vest every chance he got. This was yet another area where he found a community and built friendships that stood the test of time.

The foundation for all he did in his life came from his decision to give his life to Christ as an 18-year-old boy. From that moment forward his entire purpose was to make the name of his God great. Nowhere was this more evident or important than with his family. A devoted husband to Barbara, the sixty-two years they would have celebrated in June was not long enough for either of them. His three children, Wendy (Tim) Nanney, Scott (Michelle) Taylor and Tami (Todd) Yeomans knew a calm, loving home filled with laughter and support. Through active involvement and leadership in church and serving and meeting needs outside the church they saw an example of faith modeled through service to others. As a man who loved children and adopted the grandfather role before he had his own, his twelve grandchildren and soon-to-be thirteen great-grandchildren were among “PoppaDoc’s” greatest joys, and they too are and will be the beneficiaries of his legacy.

The void of his passing is great. We treasure the memories and rest in the knowledge that he’s been made whole in the presence of Jesus.

The family wants to thank the staff at Rolling Green Village for the kind and compassionate care over the last nine months.

In lieu of flowers donations can be me made to the Bob Jones University Seminary & Evangelism Center. You can give online at https://seminary.bju.edu/support/ or designated checks can be mailed to Bob Jones University, 1700 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville, SC 29614

The family will be receiving friends at Morningside Baptist Church, 1115 Pelham Rd, Greenville, SC on Thursday, March 6 from 11:00-1:30 followed by a service at 1:30.