Robert Bruce Taylor Sr., 88, of Greenville, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 14, 1936, in Washington County, Tennessee, to the late Roy Clinton Taylor and Tina Elizabeth Gobble Taylor.
A combat veteran, Bruce served his country with distinction as a Captain in the 101st Airborne Division, Special Forces and Ranger units during the Korean Conflict. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5478 and continued to serve his community in various ways throughout his life.
Bruce retired from the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Local 1178, where he worked at the Peabody Coal Company River Queen Surface Mine and Camp Complex. He served as Past Master of Masonic Lodge #244 in Pond River and was a Shriner and a York Rite. His faith was an important part of his life, and he was a longtime member of Second Baptist Church in Greenville. Additionally, he served on the City of Greenville Utilities Commission and multiple other community organizations.
Bruce (aka Poppy or Papaw Bruce) carved his own unique path in life, from a humble upbringing in the Appalachian Mountains to adventures across the globe before meeting and marrying the love of his life and living for a time in Chicago before settling in western Kentucky. An avid learner and true jack-of-all trades, he was a Golden Gloves boxer, a football player, a baseball player, a car racer, an airplane pilot, an electrician, a welder, and an HVAC mechanic, a Little League baseball coach, an ASA state championship softball team coach, and earned a master’s degree from Western Kentucky University, among many other pursuits and interests. He rarely ran into someone he didn’t know and was always up for a conversation with someone new. He had a lifelong love of learning and modeled the values of hard work and education. His love for his family and his country were paramount. Bruce’s legacy of service, love for his family, and commitment to his faith will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, his father- and mother-in-law, Elgan and Eva Sweeney; two brothers, Bud Taylor and Jack Taylor; and one sister, Dr. Laura Ann Taylor Barnett.
Bruce leaves behind his beloved wife of 66 years, Polly Ann Sweeney Taylor; one daughter, Becky (T) Morgan; one son, Bruce (Anna) Taylor; four granddaughters, Christy (James) Calder, Beth Morgan (Adam Wade), Lindsey (Todd) McConnell, Megan (Jordan) Baize; one grandson, Alex (Annie) Taylor; seventeen great-grandchildren, Dakota, Jaxon, Levi, Sasha, Eva, Maya, Max, Morgan, Taygan, Alma, Annie, Lily, Ben, Stevie, Gwen, Wilson, Hallie; and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at Gary’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 11, at 2:00 p.m., to include a Masonic service. Services will be conducted by Dr. Kevin Milburn, assisted by Bro. Ben Van Hooser. Burial with military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 to 2:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Muhlenberg County Humane Society or Shriners.
Gary’s Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with care of Mr. Taylor and the services for his family and friends. Online condolences can be made at www.garysfuneralhome.net