OBITUARY
Jack Taylor
May 12, 1927 – August 19, 2019
Jack Frazier Taylor, 92, of Orlando, Florida passed away peacefully, on August 19, 2019. He was surrounded by those that loved and cared for him. Jack was born to Thomas and Mame Taylor, on May 12, 1927 in Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Frazier graduated from high school in Kentucky and received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Kentucky where he played trumpet in the UK Band. His college years were interrupted by World War II, he enlisted, and served in the Army Air Corp, and was stationed at Hickam Field in Hawaii. While there, Jack started a military band that represented the Air Field.
In 1954, Jack began his career as a musician and band director, when he became a band director at Whitesburg High School, in Whitesburg, Kentucky. Within a few years, Jack accepted a band director position at Pikeville High School, where he continued to teach until moving to Florida in 1961. Jack continued his career in music and was named band director at Evans High School, in Orlando where he instilled the love of music in many high school musicians. Jack ended his career in education at Lockhart Junior High after more than 30 years teaching music.
Jack married Alma Jean Johnson in 1986, and for the next 15 years they toured the country in their motor home visiting every state except Hawaii. Jack continued to play his trumpet and was apart of local “tailgating” bands, and the Sanford Yacht Club, where he was a long time member. Jack also had a call to serve and was an active member of the Orange County Sheriff’s Task Force for over 20 years, where he was often recognized for his outstanding willingness to serve. Anyone who knew Jack, knew that he loved flying, fast cars, music of any kind, and his Kentucky Wildcats, one rarely saw Jack when he was not wearing something with UK on it. For 91 and a half years, Jack led a life where he was always there to lend a helping hand when needed, and the picture of health. He had a habit of asking people how old they thought he was, just to hear them guess 10-20 years younger than his actual age. The last 8 months of his life were very difficult for Jack, as a decline in his mobility made him dependent on others, something that he was never used to doing, but he always made the best of his situation because he loved life and knew that he was surrounded by wonderful friends and family that would always bring a smile to his face.
Jack is survived by his loving wife, Alma Jean Johnson Taylor. He is also survived by his two children, Jack Taylor and his wife Jonelle; Terri Bentley and her husband Bill. Jack has 5 grandchildren, Torie, Taylor, Stephen, Bonnie and Katie who will miss him greatly, as well as, 3 great grandkids. Jack is survived by his brother, Jim Taylor of Palm Coast, and was predeceased by his brothers Joe Taylor and Truman Taylor.
On Saturday, September 7th at 1:00 PM we would like to invite all of Jack’s friends and family to come and remember Jack in a very special Celebration the Life Service. Please wear something blue in honor of Jack’s “Wildcat Spirit”.
FAMILY
- Alma Jean Johnson Taylor, Loving Wife
- Jack Taylor (Jonelle), Son
- Terri Bentley (Bill), Daughter
- Torie, Taylor, Stephen, Bonnie & Katie, Grandchildren
- ~ 3, Great Grandchildren
- Jim Taylor, Brother
Services
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Memorial Service
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Memories
Jack Taylor
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYShirlee (Butcher) Reeves
September 16, 2019
I was a Senior at Whitesburg High School in 1954. I played a flute in the band and was a majorette.
Jack started a dance band and I was his soloist!
We did many duets ! The band was very popular and we had a lot of fun!
He was a very talented musician and all of us loved him!
Condolences to his family and friends!💚
Dianne (Carden )Varnadoe
September 5, 2019
Mr Jack Taylor was my band director at Evans High School in Orlando, Florida.
He was a wonderful teacher and greatly loved and respected. Our band received Superior Awards under his direction. We were also invited to participate in the Annual Orange Bowl Parade which was a great honor and a wonderful memory for all of our band members and our school.
I will cherish forever the wonderful friendships and memories of our times with the Evans High School band which actually resulted in bringing my best friends Bonnie Cockrell Turner and her Husband Ken Turner together as well as bringing me and my husband Wes Varnadoe together. We had a Double Wedding On August 19, 1966 (53 years ago) and we are all still together and still best as a result of meeting each other while marching with the Evans High School band! I will be praying for Mr. Taylor’s family and friends during the coming days that God will give them peace and draw them closer to each other and to our Lord and Savior Jesus.
May all of you cherish his memories that last forever!
Cheryl Macfarlane Butler
September 5, 2019
I enjoyed band with Mr. Taylor. I am sorry to know he isn't in the world.
Dell Hoyt
September 5, 2019
Prayers for 'Uncle' Jack's family
Gail Adams
September 4, 2019
Sending Love & Trojan Prayers to the Family of Mr. Jack Taylor. He was well liked and will be missed by many of the EVANS 60's students.
EVANS 60's Alumni
Leroy Slaymaker
September 4, 2019
I was a student at Evans High. He was transferred to Lockhart that year we missed him greatly nothing was the same. I was transferred to Edgewater the next year. I had went to Lockhart and was glad he went there. I quit band Mr Willson took the fun out of it. Mr Taylor had great half time routines. He will be missed but he leaves a great high standard and a legacy to be remembered. What an honor to have known him.
Ralph Kelly
September 2, 2019
Jack Taylor was my first band director. As I was a transfer student starting in the middle of the year, he recommended that I play the trumpet. He was reluctant to let me start in the middle of the year, but as a favor to my mother whom he had known since high school, he conceded. He spent a lot of time giving me 1-1 instruction to help me catch up with the rest of my group. He was always my favorite band director. As after he left Pikeville, we had five more before I graduated. It was a very special treat for me to sit next to him and play trumpet in the Alumni band at the all class reunion. Rest In Peace Mr. Taylor, we will play together in the heavenly band one day!
Trish Hughes Smith
August 27, 2019
I loved Mr. Taylor in teaching, directing me in my Lochart days. He was an amazing man. Rest in Peace Mr. Taylor may you always be directing the ultimate band!