JOHN C. TAYLOR

Mr. John C. (Jack) Taylor, 81, formerly of DeLand, FL, passed away January 16, 2011 at Clare Bridge in Ormond Beach, FL. Jack was born July 7, 1929 in Westchester County, NY to Irving Henry and Lavinia Startzman Taylor. Jack lived overseas during his early childhood years, then his family settled in Washington, DC. Jack graduated from Randolph Macon Academy in Front Royal, VA, attended Bates College, and graduated from George Washington University. He served in the United States Air Force as a navigator during the Korean War. In 1991, Jack retired after a 33-year career with AXA Equitable, having held management positions in Charlotte, NC, as well as in Maryland, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Jack was a boating enthusiast and served as Fleet Captain at the Lake Beresford Yacht Club in DeLand. He was a life-long dog lover and was once honored for breaking into his neighbors' burning home to rescue their dog. Jack was predeceased by his parents and brother, Irving H. Taylor, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Donna Taylor of Badin, NC; children, Tammy (Mike) Applegate of Asheboro, NC, John (Sandi) Taylor of Palm Harbor, FL, Craig Taylor of St. Petersburg, FL, and Heather Aman of New York, NY. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Dan Applegate of New York, NY, Kevin, Elizabeth and Matthew Applegate of Asheboro, NC, and Jack Taylor of Palm Harbor, FL. According to Jack's wishes, no service will be held. Memorial donations may be made to Journey's End Animal Sanctuary, P.O. Box 220163, Glenwood, FL 32722, or to Vitas Hospice, 2381 Mason Ave., Suite 100, Daytona Beach, FL 32117.