David “Bear” Lee
Taylor
1937 – 2023
Springfield
David (Bear) Lee Taylor, 86, of Springfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on Friday,Apr 28, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born in Opelika, Alabama on March 10, 1937 to Reverend Jesse and Gertha Lee (Collins) Taylor. David was predeceased by his second wife of Ocie (Gee) Taylor, his son David Lee Taylor, Jr, and 11 siblings. He is survived by his sister, Norell Guiditas of Torrington, Connecticut and his brother, Clarence E. Taylor of Hodges, South Carolina; his daughters, Janice Taylor-Gordon, and her husband, Christopher Gordon and Laveda Taylor of Springfield, Massachusetts; his grandchildren, Sheldon and Travis, and his wife, Laura Taylor; his great grandchildren, Quadir, Amaya, Emmarose, and Audra; his aunt, Mary Foster of Knoxville, Tennessee, and a host many relatives and friends.
David was a warm, generous, and kind hearted man. His presence was gentle and full of joy. As the youngest of 13 children, he had a great love for his family with whom he shares a wealth of memories. He was a people person with a large network of friends. David had a passion for golfing, bowling, and traveling the world.
He graduated from JW Darden High School in Opelika, Alabama in 1956 where he was a star running back football player. Classmates would shout “get that Bear” as he ran the field which is how he got his nickname “Bear”. After graduating he married his highschool sweetheart, Jessie B. (Miller) Taylor. They started a family before relocating to Springfield, Massachusetts.
He worked for Chapman Valve Manufacturing before joining United Technologies (Pratt and Whitney) Aerospace as a professional welder for 43 years before retiring.
A special thanks to all of his caretakers, Nerissa, Jeremy, Julie, Ronnie, ChandaCare, and Karen’s Adult Home Care Services.
Visitation for David will be at Sampson’s Family Chapels 21 Tinkham Rd Springfield MA 01129 on Friday May 5, 2023 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am with service immediately following at 11:30 am. David will then be escorted to his final resting place, Oak Grove Cemetery 426 Bay St. Springfield Ma.
Published by The Republican from May 3 to May 4, 2023.