David Isaac Taylor

Oct. 22, 1945 - Feb. 11, 2016

SOUTH BEND - David Isaac Taylor, the youngest of fourteen (14), was born on Oct. 22, 1945, in Macon, Georgia, to Isaac and Dollie Lee (Redding) Taylor. Shortly after his birth, the family moved up north to Detroit, Michigan, and found their permanent residence in South Bend, Indiana. David graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1965, received his EMT/Hazmat certification from the South Bend Fire Department / Ivy Tech in 1971, was certified by the Minuteman International Service School as a K-1 Tech in 2004, and in 2007 he became a Repair Tech Product Representative of Proctor & Gamble Tech.

He was joined in holy matrimony to Vera Ruth Riley on October 30, 1971. They were blessed with two children, John David (Amy) Taylor and Sarah Melinda Taylor. Shortly after marriage, David joined the South Bend Fire Department, proudly serving his community as a Captain Firefighter and EMT for 36 years. He also worked as a K-1 Technician for Femco Services for 27 years. David was quite the businessman, making a lifelong dream come to fruition by becoming the owner/operator of Femco All-Pro Janitorial Services in 2009. He was a member of the United States Army, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1992. David was an avid reader, enjoyed landscaping, cooking, home improvement and auto projects.

David had an incredibly caring heart, which shined through in his love for giving back to his community. He served as a mentor for Big Brothers/Big Sisters and was honored as Big Brother of the Year in 2012. Mr. Taylor was an active member of the 100 Black Men of Greater South Bend, serving on the Executive Board and as a Freedman Academy Mentor. He also served as a Mentor through the South Bend Community School Corporation's Dream Team for Unity. David was a dedicated member of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a Senior Usher, Jr. Usher Ministry Coordinator, Youth Sunday School Teacher, and in the Men's Ministry. He took great pride in and emphasized the importance of family serving as the Treasurer/Bookkeeper for the Redding Family Reunion Indiana Branch. Many people say that David had the unique ability to talk to anyone and make them feel genuinely special. He expressed an unparalleled love for family and people in general.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife Vera R. Riley-Taylor, three (3) children, Sean Demetrius (Terri) Taylor of Abilene, TX, John David (Amy) Taylor, of South Bend, IN, and Sarah Melinda Taylor of Mishawaka, IN; four (4) grandchildren, Xavier I. and Arianna B. Taylor of Abilene, TX, Morgan R. and Abigail F. Taylor of South Bend, IN; two (2) sisters, Mary Ann (Bufford) Hilliard of South Bend, IN, and Louise (Charles) Green of Texas; five (5) brothers, Reuben (Roberta) Taylor of Detroit, MI, Benjamin (Marlene) Taylor and Carl (Marilyn) Taylor of South Bend, IN, Sanford (Sharon) Taylor and James (LaVonne) Taylor of Akron, OH; beloved in-laws, Cecelia (DeVon Sr.) Goodrich, Amy Jane (Charles) Gilbert, and Gerald Harper of Elkhart, IN, Sumpter (Phillis) Riley of Silver Spring, MD, Thurlow (Connie) Harper of California, Burt Riley, Jr. of Indianapolis, Donna Porter-Todd, James, and Paul Porter of Oklahoma; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, the Barlow Godchildren, Pops Avance Highsmith, and dear friends. David was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Dollie Taylor, two (2) brothers, Benner and Joseph Taylor, and four (4) sisters, Lena Beaver, Alice Milon, Ruth Johnson and Grace Williams.

The viewing will take place on Friday, February 19th, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Alford's Mortuary. The Celebration of Life will begin on Saturday, February 20th, with a viewing at 10:00 a.m. followed by services beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church.

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