Lawrence “Larry” Boston Taylor

1939 - 2017

Lawrence ""Larry"" Boston Taylor, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends at his home in Panama City, Florida, on Wednesday July 26, 2017.

He was born on May 12, 1939, in Dothan, Alabama, to James Boston and Eunice Inez Taylor. In 1961, he earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University. He taught classes at Auburn full-time while working on his master's degree in aerospace engineering, which he earned in 1965 from Auburn. Also, while at Auburn he managed the local pool hall. Larry retired in April of 2005 from the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama City after 42 years of dedicated and professional service. Larry was a member of the Forest Park United Methodist Church and Hopewell Methodist Church in Pine Mountain, Georgia. He was a member of the Pythagoras Masonic Lodge #358 and a Charter member of the Shaddai Shriner Temple. He was also a member of the Cherokee Nation. His community involvement included several church and community projects in the Pine Lake, Georgia, area. Larry loved his pets and considered them family. Larry enjoyed his expertly prepared smoked turkeys and hams with his special secret seasonings. He was an avid reader, especially Louis L'Amour, Tom Clancy, and John Grisham. Larry loved saltwater and freshwater fishing and also enjoyed boating, cars, and travelling during his retirement along with his wife, Sissy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James Taylor, Edward ""Snooks"" Taylor; and one sister, Fauvette Moates.

He is survived by his wife, Alice Louise Childress Taylor of 41 years; three children, Boston Scott Taylor (Becky) of Fremont, North Carolina, Laurie Annette Fulks (Gregg) of Lynn Haven, Florida, Julie Lynn Shepherd (Russ) of Lynn Haven, Florida; seven grandchildren, Kimberly Cash (Jesse) of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Alan Taylor (Stephanie) of Blythewood, South Carolina, Amanda Gallien (Colin) of Lynn Haven, Florida, Sarah Beth, Abigail, and Taylor Shepherd of Lynn Haven, Florida, Brianna Sherman of Fremont, North Carolina; five great-grandchildren, Serenity and Patience Cash, Sebastian, Bryson, and Adalynn Taylor; numerous nieces and nephews; brother-in-law Richard Alexander Childress (Dewannah) of Foley, Alabama; and special nephew Richard Alexander Childress Jr. (Betsy) children, Katie and Drew of Panama City, Florida.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 31, 2017, at 10 a.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. John Friedman officiating. Interment will follow in the Oakland Cemetery with masonic rites conducted at the graveside. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, July 30, 2017, from 4-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Shaddai Shriners Transportation Fund or to Forest Park United Methodist Church in memory of Larry Taylor.

Active pallbearers are Norbert Rudek, Joe Holliday, Chris Dannelly, David Miller, Glen Campbell, Fred Crawl, Richard Childress Jr. and Patrick Wilbertding. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Masonic Lodge and Shaddai Shrine Temple.

Special thanks to Dr. Eisa, his staff, Kindred Home Health Care, and Amanda with Emerald Coast Hospice. Very special thanks go to close friends and neighbors, Cathy, Chris, and David (our angels). We couldn't have made it without them.

Wilson Funeral Home
Family Owned Since 1911
214 Airport Road
Panama City, Fla.
850-785-5272