Anthony Bernard Taylor

ANTHONY BERNARD TAYLOR, OPA

June 23, 1951 - October 4, 2023

Anthony Bernard Taylor, a soldier in the army of the Lord was called off the battlefield of life. Our Lord told him to take up his cross and follow Him, well done good and faithful warrior. He served his country as civil servant for 30 years in various career areas; honorably in the United State Navy on board the USS Cone touring countries along the Mediterranean Sea; he then transferred onto dry land becoming a Hospital Corp Man stationed in Millington, TN, and lastly, he retired from the Court of Domestic Relations, Franklin County. Anthony enjoyed life to the fullest, he served as a missionary in Haiti for 16 years, through Lifeline Christian Mission. Anthony was missioned to preach the Gospel of Jesus as an Associate of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, proud to had served in ministries at Holy Rosary St. John and Christ The King Churches, and a volunteer at Shepherd's Ecology Center and Mohun Health Center for many years. Anthony did not shy away from adventures; he piloted a plane on day one of his retirement, enjoyed scuba diving and once with sharks, hiked up the Arizona Gold Canyon and down the Grand Canyon, camped at National State parks across the USA and Ohio State parks, and was blessed to have traveled abroad and experience other cultures. He stayed physically fit, was a bicycle enthusiast who loved to ride alone or with family and friends. He couldn't wait to turn 65 to get his Silver Sneakers gym membership, which enabled him to swim and workout 5 days a week in the gym. Watching T.V. was only about sports, his favorite teams were the Cleveland Browns, Guardians (Cavaliers), The Ohio State Buckeyes, and yes, the LA Lakers. 

Taken by surprise on January 17, 2023, Anthony was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. During his known period of illness, Anthony held on to his faith, trusting in God's plan for him and his family. So, it was on October 4, 2023, that God dispatched His Angel and welcomed Anthony from a world of labor to His heavenly home; announcing "well done my good and faithful son, it's time to rest".

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Catherine Taylor, siblings, Nelson, Clarice, Barbara, and Charles. 

Anthony was a proud, protective, and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, thoughtful and loyal relative, and friend. He loved and enjoyed his growing family so much. Anthony leaves behind to cherish his memories: loving and devoted wife of 52 plus years, Victoria Jean; sons, Torrey D. (Tracy) Taylor and Antony M. Taylor; grandchildren, Jasmyne Turner, Cameron (Cierra) Taylor, Antonia Taylor, Caleb (Bailey) Taylor, and Amani Taylor; great-grandchildren, Malachi, Jade, Noelle, Oakley, Holly, Eleanor, Isaac, Jack, Georgia and Alexander;  brother, George (Deborah) Taylor; sister, Charlene Rahaman,; sister-in-law, Barbara Taylor-Lucas; siblings through marriage, Sandra (Jerry), James (Kathy), Anthony, Carma, Ricardo, Sharon, Darryl, Gina, Roger, DeSandra, Terry, and Kelvin; God-children, Dyke, Janelle, Josiah; extra special friends, Isaiah and Jordan; an abundance of loving and supporting family and friends who turned his bleak days bright. A truly sincere thank you to all our relentless prayer warriors, extra special thanks to Sisters of the Kingdom, Steve and Sue, Andre and Tommie, Jill and Travens, Gary and Denise, Darla, Ellie, Felicia, Carol, Linda, George Hicks, and Larry Jeter. 

"God is greater than our ups and down’s." 

His funeral service will be held at Christ The King Catholic Church 2777 E. Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209 on Wednesday October 11, 2023.The celebration of life begins with the viewing 9 AM until 9:40 AM; Reflections 9:40 AM until 9:55 AM, Mass will begin promptly at 10:00 AM. Interment Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Arrangements entrusted to SMOOT FUNERAL SERVICES 4019 E. Livingston Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43227, 614-444-1GOD (1463).

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