Obituary of Robert Michael Taylor

Robert Michael “Mike” Taylor, 70, passed away peacefully on April 8th, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones in Irmo, South Carolina. He went to join his youngest brother, Burke Taylor (who passed shortly before him, unexpectedly.)

Mike was born in Atlanta, GA. His family moved to the Columbia, SC in 1970. After high school, Mike went on to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1973 to 1977.

Mike met Lisa through his mother and their friendship turned into an adventurous life and were married 37 years. 

After 25 years working as an Air Traffic Controller, Mike retired. They moved onto the “Diligence”,  a 51-foot sailboat, where the children finished growing up and learned more about his great love for the sea and all things nautical.

One of Mike’s greatest achievements in his life, before having children, was that he spent seven years building a 32-foot sailboat, the original Diligence, with Coast Guard friend Mark Haenlein. After building Diligence, Mike and Lisa went on a voyage from Seattle, WA, in 1987, traveling through the Panama Canal and ending their journey in Tampa, FL about a year later. This was one of many lifelong adventures together.

Mike was predeceased by his parents Mother Patricia Taylor,  Robert “Bobby” Taylor, brother Burke and very best friend and Coast Guard veteran, Richard Hoage. He is survived by his wife Lisa Terry Taylor, children Michelle Crist (Tim Burley) of Elizabeth City, N.C., Ryan Taylor (Katrina) of Monroe, Washington,b& Brian Bell (Heather) of Des Moines, Washington.Grandchildren; Amber & Brooklyn Bell, Lily Crist, and Fiona Taylor, and his loyal friend and co-captain, Skipper the cat. Also surviving are his sister, Phyllis McCallum, (Edward Estes) of Irmo, S.C., brother Keith (Lorena) of Oldsmar, Fl.

A dual burial services with his brother Burke, are scheduled for April 29th, 2024 at 1pm at Fort Jackson National Cemetery where they will be laid side by side for their military service.

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave SW., Aiken, SC 29801 (803) 649-6234 has charge of arrangements. 

Online expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com.