Frank Walker Taylor Sr

Born in Brownsville, Texas, to the late Bryant and Winifred Taylor, Frank moved with his family to Jacksonville, Florida, as a child. He graduated from Landon High School in 1958 and joined the United States Navy after graduation.

Frank was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who lived a life of service and adventure and cared deeply for his family. He served full-time in the Navy for 21 years and traveled the world. Among the ships he served aboard were the USS *Bon Homme Richard* (CVA-31), USS *Holland* (AS-32), USS *Kalamazoo* (AOR-6), and USS *Sabine* (AO-25). He retired from active Navy service in December 1979 as a Senior Chief Machinist’s Mate, and from the Navy Reserve in January 1980.

After his Navy service, Frank and his beloved wife, Martha Jean, traveled across the country in a semi-truck for several years. From 1990 to 1996, he served as a corrections deputy with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. He later worked for the Florida Department of Corrections before fully retiring.

Frank loved karate and martial arts. At the age of 70, he earned a black belt in karate. He also delighted friends and family with his ability to do splits and high kicks. In retirement, he served as a judge at karate tournaments.

Frank also enjoyed old westerns, Mexican food, fishing, and spending time on the water. He shared his love of Johnny Cash with his children and spent many happy years living and fishing on Rocky Creek in Steinhatchee, where he enjoyed scalloping and his airboats. Over the years, he had a special affection for Schipperke dogs and always had one by his side. He especially loved sharing stories about his life.

In retirement, Frank owned RVs and enjoyed traveling to visit friends and family. He treasured staying connected with his Navy brothers and sisters and took great joy in helping with and attending ship reunions around the country. He will be remembered as a great neighbor, and his many friends from all over will miss him.

Frank was a member of the congregation at Falling Creek Chapel in Lake City, Florida.

Frank was predeceased by his beloved wife, Martha Jean Taylor; his brother, Joe Agrillo; and his granddaughter, Jennifer Taylor. His family will miss him dearly but takes comfort in knowing he is reunited with Martha in heaven.

He is survived by his children, Marie Johnson (Jack), Frank Taylor Jr. (Robyn), Carl Taylor (Cristie), and Irene Cooke; his devoted companion, Antonette Walley; and his siblings, John Taylor, Angelita Ritz, and Theresa Agrillo. His surviving grandchildren are Cameron Cook (Kristin), Christopher Johnson (Tally), Darby Montgomery (Dave), Frank Taylor III (Colleen), Heather Rojas (Ricky), Kirsten Matthews, and Nolan Taylor. He is also survived by bonus grandchildren Benjamin Sprowles and Zachary Sprowles, eleven great-grandchildren, and many lifelong friends.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Beaches Memorial Park, 1500 Main St., Atlantic Beach, FL 32233.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.

Arrangements are by Hardage-Giddens St. Johns Funeral Home, 1285 St. Johns Parkway, St. Johns, FL 32259. Words of comfort may be shared at www.hgstjohns.com

**Fair Winds and Following Seas, Chief.**