Charles M. Taylor peacefully entered eternal rest at his home on Thursday, May 8th, 2025, at the age of 86. Known as Charles, Chuck, Lil Chuck, Taylor, Mr. T., and Mel by his mother and sister, he was born on December 30, 1938.
Charles was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, but spent most of his childhood growing up in Springfield, Illinois, where he graduated from Feitshans High School in 1959. Shortly after graduating, he enlisted in the United States Navy on June 15, 1959, and was honorably discharged on August 30, 1980, with the rank of Photographer’s Mate Petty Officer First Class. He then immediately transferred to the Fleet Reserve.
Through his travels in the Navy, he met Lillian Anita Bloxson at a bowling alley in Pensacola, Florida, and right then decided that he was going to marry her. They married on December 23, 1965, and shared almost 58 years of love and adventures in Nevada, California, Rhode Island, and Bermuda, eventually settling in Virginia in 1976.
Charles had a wide range of interests. He loved sports, playing, watching, and even serving as a coach and umpire for softball and Little League. He competed in bowling leagues and brought home many trophies. He was also an avid reader who patronized the local comic book shop almost weekly. He loved taking his family to the movies and was a big Star Trek fan. Gift-giving was Charles’ true expression of affection, and few things brought him more happiness than sharing thoughtful tokens with others. He leveraged the skills he learned to repair cameras in the Navy and taught himself how to fix computers. His fascination with technology earned him the nickname “Gadget Man.” Through every interest, Charles embraced life with curiosity, generosity, and an enduring sense of joy.
Charles cherished his family and will be greatly missed by all who loved him. He is survived by his daughters, Erica J. Taylor and Charlene R. Taylor (Abel); granddaughter, Hawi Abel Taylor; sister, Marianna Emory; niece Angela Emory; and nephew Dion Emory. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Anita Taylor, and mother, Margaret Martin.
