Ralph "Rusty" Taylor Jr.

Faithful and much loved, Ralph "Rusty" Taylor went to be with his Savior on January 6, 2026, at Halifax Hospice in Ormond Beach, Florida. With his wife's hand in his, he passed peacefully after years of enduring serious medical conditions.

Rusty was born on May 3, 1940, to Ralph Newton Taylor Sr. and Nellie Bertha Flake of Havana, Florida, on their farm, Dixie Dairy, in Daytona Beach. From his earliest days doing chores, especially caring for calves, he developed a deep love for animals and a taste for adventure. Many tales of his childhood are captured in the book Moos and Mischief, written by his wife, Paula.

These experiences inspired Rusty's lifelong devotion to animals. In 1958, he began a ten-year journey to fulfill his dream of becoming a veterinarian. An exceptional storyteller with a brilliant mind, he earned multiple awards, completed a master's degree in Dairy Nutrition at the University of Florida, and graduated at the top of his class from Auburn University Veterinary School.

Returning to Ormond Beach, Rusty practiced as a large-animal veterinarian, traveling throughout the county to care for cows, horses, pigs, and more. His compassion extended to extraordinary creatures, from a royal Lipizzaner stallion to an African elephant, a bobcat, and even the famous Elsie Borden Cow. He also devoted years to the Halifax Humane Society and cared for greyhounds at the old Daytona Dog Track.

In 1973, Rusty co-founded Tomoka Pines Veterinary Hospital with friend and partner Harry Radcliff, DVM. For over 30 years, he cherished every day with animals and those who cared for them, earning admiration for his gentle nature, unwavering compassion, and deep love for his patients. He also pursued passions for fishing, stamp collecting, and building model trains, delighting generations with his displays.

Rusty married the love of his life, Paula Mae Tolstrup, on November 7, 1987, at Coquina Presbyterian Church in Ormond Beach. Together they enjoyed adventures rafting the Colorado River, hiking and canoeing-especially in the mountains of North Carolina. Rusty was rarely without a Labrador by his side; over the years, he had many, with faithful Grits as his final loving companion.

In his late forties, Rusty came to know his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His faith, humility, and gratitude grew through the years. He embraced the role of grandfather, earning the beloved name PawPaw, delighting in guiding, praying for, and celebrating his granddaughters, Haley and Brooke.

Rusty is survived by his wife of 38 years, Paula Mae Taylor; his son, Clay Taylor, and daughter-in-law, Leslie Taylor; and grandchildren Haley and Brooke and their husbands.

A memorial service officiated by Pastor Steve Parris will be held at Rima Ridge Baptist Church in Ormond Beach, Florida, on Saturday, January 24, at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to the Halifax Humane Society, Samaritan's Purse, or the Christian Veterinary Mission.

Rusty's life bore witness to a steadfast faith, a grateful heart, and the hope he held in Christ, leaving behind a legacy of compassion that will be felt for generations.