Ray Taylor
Age - 75
December 10, 2023
Al Taylor - A Life CelebratedPeachtree Corners, GA - On November 29, 2023, the world bid farewell to a remarkable soul, Ray A. Taylor III, affectionately known to friends and family as "Al. "Born on March 2, 1948, in New Orleans, LA, to the late Ray and Virginia (McAdams) Taylor, Al's journey through life was one that impacted many with laughs and enjoyment. Raised in a military family, Al's early years were marked by adventure and resilience. From Coronado Island, CA, to Virginia Beach, VA, Al's path eventually led him to Frank W. Cox High School, where he was an accomplished athlete, particularly in wrestling. His prowess on the mat caught the eye of college recruiters, setting the stage for his next chapter at Lycoming College in 1966. However, Al was restless in college, recognizing the importance of world events at that time and understanding his attention and focus was needed elsewhere. As a result, Al volunteered for military service during the conflict in Vietnam, where Al's commitment to duty and country shone brightly. As a Marine in Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion of the 26th Marines, Al served with distinction, leaving an indelible mark as a mortarman in the 81mm Mortar Platoon where he saw battle in decisive conflicts at Khe Sanh in 1967 and Con Thien in early 1968. Post-service Al once again embraced academics, graduating with honors from Old Dominion University. His chosen field was operations consulting, where he built a career marked by a dedication to excellence, where he aided numerous clients in their achievement of new heights of success. As the personal computing landscape evolved in the 1980s and 1990s, Al seamlessly integrated these advancements and capabilities into his consulting practice, helping his small business clients better leverage technology to serve the needs of their customers. His impact was far-reaching, earning him professional relationships and clients that endured for decades. In the twilight of his career, Al transitioned seamlessly into the role of a mentor, offering invaluable insights to friends and family embarking on commercial ventures. His wisdom and guidance were instrumental in shaping their journeys. Retirement brought forth a period of reconnection for Al. Across the last 15 months of his life, he relished the joys of family as he recovered from a significant surgery in 2022. A mobile gaming enthusiast to the last, Al's playful spirit connected him with friends globally, creating a network that transcended borders. Al is survived by his son, Ray A. Taylor IV and his wife Colleen of Ashburn, VA, sister Rebecca Taylor-Reilly and her husband Matthew of Trenton, NJ, brother Brian Taylor and his wife Janice of Lake Park, GA, and youngest sister Melissa Taylor of Peachtree Corners, GA. Al is also survived by Margo Parker, his former wife and the mother of his son Ray IV. Al benefitted from an expansive family that loved him dearly, including his grandchildren Ray A. Taylor V and Campbell Taylor of Ashburn, VA, nephew Andrew Reilly of Tampa, FL, niece Julia (Taylor) Bracy and her husband Wade of Orlando, FL, nephew Jason Taylor of Lake Park, GA, niece Rebecca (McLeod) Gusek and her husband Chris of Royston, GA, niece Laura (Uria) Ventura and her husband Vincent of Suwanee, GA, and nephew Andrew Uria of Peachtree Corners, GA. Al's legacy is embraced by those who loved him dearly. A memorial, planned for December 29th at 12:30pm at Crowell Brothers Funeral Home in Peachtree Corners, GA, will provide an intimate space for family and friends to pay their respects. On-line condolences may be expressed at www. crowellbrothers. com. Arrangements entrusted to Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. 770-448-5757. "Pre planning just makes sense"https://www. crowellbrothers. com/plan-a-funeral-or-cremation/plan-ahead Show more