Samuel James Taylor, born June 17th, 1929, passed away peacefully on October 11th, 2020. Sam, as he was known, was loved by many and made a very positive impact on this world, in so many ways.

He was the son of Samuel and Marjorie Taylor. Sam's father was a very early airline pilot, so they moved often. He was born in Berea, OH. His high school years were spent at Georgia Military Academy. While there, he received the highest honors presented by being awarded The Master Cadet Medal and the Most Valuable Athlete. He then moved on to Evanston, IL where he attended Northwestern University. He was a very active member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration. In 1951 to 1953 he served in the US Army, based in Seattle, WA where he was involved in the Alaska Communication Systems.

Sam married his college sweetheart and love of his life, Joann Brownlee, in 1952, and enjoyed 68 years full of love, respect and never-ending fun. Upon completion of his military assignment in 1953 the couple would return to the Chicago area where Sam would join the Scott Paper company in a sales position. Two years later, he joined the Clipper Company, later purchased by the Norton Company where he elevated into sales management.

During these years they became the proud parents of 5 wonderful children. He was a true family man, never missing an event that they were involved in or having a chance just to enjoy their company. Sam founded and coached 2 YMCA clubs, he then became a Scout Master, where he led 13 young men to earn their Eagle Scout honor. His daughters were not to be left out as they competed to be his favorite! He supported them in their activities of swimming, cheerleading, and other extracurricular activities.

In 1969 the whole clan moved to Ft. Lauderdale as Sam's career took a turn. He was recruited to orchestrate the completion and selling of the Venetian Condo's 237 units; while simultaneously managing a beach front hotel, two-night clubs, and a real estate office. As this venture came to a close, Sam became a pioneer in the construction equipment rental industry. He recognized a need to bridge the gap between rental companies that catered to homeowners and contractor equipment rental companies that were most focused on large equipment. He was well known for his accomplishments throughout the industry, until he sold Actron, in 1997.

Sam mastered life balance by not only finding time for his career, but time for family and himself, as well. He was known to love sports in general, cruising, fishing, diving, and golf. He got a kick out of saying he played golf until he was 90 years old.

After Sam retired, he and Joann spent 28 beautiful years dividing their time between the Orlando area and their mountain home in Sapphire, NC. Great times were had there with all their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and their friends. Everyone was always welcome at Family Ties.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents and was survived by his wife, Joann, his 5 children; Nancy Delany (Robert), Scott Taylor (Lisa), Matt Taylor (Stacie),Todd Taylor (Rikke), and Sally Short (Hunter), as well as 18 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren (and counting).

Sam, Dad, Grandpa, Mr. Taylor, or Mr. 'T' will be dearly missed. He was loved by all and will always be remembered for his welcoming ways and winning smile!

A celebration of life is being planned for Saturday, November 28th, 2020 at 10:30 AM. The service will be available virtually by going to the link below. Due to COVID, the live service will be family only. To attend virtually please follow this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86486236452

The family of Samuel "Sam" J. Taylor, Jr. invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in his loving memory.