Obituary: Taylor, 83

Al Taylor, 83, passed peacefully in his sleep June 7, 2012.

Allen Martin Taylor was born at home in Floydata, Texas to John Allen Taylor and Elzie Elizabeth (Bever) Taylor on July 5, 1928. His five year old uncle ran for the doctor and the doctor arrived late, intoxicated and ran his Model A right into the front porch. Allen’s grandmother therefore delivered him. His first bed was a shoe box on the oven door because he was premature at only four pounds.

Allen was the oldest of five children and he was plagued with hearing loss probably due to ear infections. At six years old Allen and his family moved to Arizona during the depression. His stepfather, Louis Carter, was a dirt farmer. Over the next two years, they pulled their belongings west in a trailer, eventually settling in California’s Bay area.

He was nicknamed “Cartwheel” because of how fast he ran. That tragically ended when he was hit by a car at 16 while riding his bicycle. Due to a blood and doctor shortage during WWII, Allen was transported to five different hospitals before they found room for him. The doctor almost amputated his leg because of five compound fractures in his left leg and ankle. After nine months in the hospital and three more at home, the body cast came off and he tried to return to high school. Since his friends had all graduated, he ran the hall on crutches with his sister Faye until he signed up for the draft under his legal name Allen Taylor.

With no physical therapy and his leg 1 1/2” shorter, Al gave up on his military plan, left school, and went to work with his dad in construction. Walking beams and roofing were a challenge but he soon became one of the fastest on the crew despite his injury.

Al’s mother helped raise his two children, Allen Jr. and Audrey, from his first marriage until he met Ruby. Ruby already had a daughter, Francie, and together Al and Ruby added David and Yvonne to the blended family. After various jobs he settled at an FMC chemical plant for 20 years with a 500 hive bee and honey business on the side. His hobbies of fishing, hunting, playing music, camping, building model airplanes, reading, building boats, painting scenery, and building/fixing instruments always seemed to include his family.

In 1966 and ‘67 Allen vacationed to Alaska with his family, only to go home, sell everything and move to Alaska for good. He fit right in making sourdough bread, canning and smoking fish, and making preserves. All this while hosting families that came to hunt and fish.

Al and Ruby supported the family with odd jobs until a friend, Chris Jenkins, suggested janitor positions for the Wrangell Public Schools. There were many benefits to a 20 year swing-shift including a state pension, fishing and clam digging before work, and opening “TAYLOR’S MUSIC”.

After retirement Al and Ruby spent the next 20 years traveling; from the country music capitals, Nashville and Branson, to cruises and on Mexican fishing trips.

Al is expectantly waiting in heaven for: wife Ruby; all three sisters, Faye, Darlene and Lorretta; in-laws and musician uncle Lowell (98 years) all living in California, all his children, grandkids, great-grandkids, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Services were held on Sunday, June 10 at Harbor Light Assembly of God.

In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to Wrangell Volunteer Fire Dept., Harbor Light Assembly of God or your favorite charity.