David (Bear) Lee Taylor
David (Bear) Lee Taylor, 86, of Springfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 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 preceded in death by his second wife, Ocie (Gee) Taylor; his son, David Lee Taylor Jr.; and 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 3 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 J.W. Darden High School in Opelika, Alabama in 1956, where he was a star running back football player. Classmates would shout “set that Bear” as he ran the field which is how he got his nickname “Bear.” After graduating, he married his high-school 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 was held at Sampson’s Family Chapels, 21 Tinkham Rd., Springfield, MA 0112 on Friday May 5, 2023, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; the service immediately followed at 11:30 am. David was escorted to his final resting place, Oak Grove Cemetery, 426 Bay St., Springfield, MA.
Published by The Opelika-Auburn News on May 28, 2023.