John Calvin Taylor

SEAFORD - John Calvin Taylor, 49, died May 12, 2013. John had pancreatic cancer but it didn't have him. He lived every minute after his diagnosis with grace and determination An engineer by education and profession, he was also a musician, an artist, a sportsman and a cook. A native of Richmond, Va., he earned his mechanical engineering degree from VPI and his MBA from Strayer University. John is survived by his daughter, Alexandra Danielle Taylor, and her mother, Allison Wilmoth Taylor, of Yorktown; parents, Baxter Brooks Taylor Jr. and Hilda Robbins Taylor of Richmond, Va.; siblings "Backy" (Katie) Taylor III of Goochland, Va., Cathy (Sonny) Turner of Chester, Va. and Susan (Larry) Leathers of Brentwood, Tenn. He is also survived by 8 nieces and nephews and one great-niece. He leaves behind many beloved friends, including his Team Challenged fishing group, and his dog Coco. John marked his 25th year at Newport News Shipbuilding this year where he worked in nuclear engineering. John was a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 300 Ella Taylor Road, Grafton, Va., where a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18, with the Rev. Clara Gestwick officiating. At his request, friends and family are invited to celebrate his life on June 16, from 2 to 5 pm. at the Freight Shed at Yorktown Beach. His family would like to thank Dr. Elizabeth Harden and the entire team at Virginia Oncology Associates. At his request, donations may be made to The Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula or the charity of your choice. A longer obituary can be found on his JohnCTaylor Care Page, www.carepages.com.