Joel Duane "Buddy" Taylor, Jr., 77, of Vero Beach, FL passed away peacefully, with his daughter at his side, early Wednesday morning on March 18th 2020 at

the VNA Hospice House.

Buddy or Uncle Buddy, as most people knew him, was born & raised in Sebastian FL in July of 1942, to his late parents Joel and Arzi Dean Taylor.  He graduated from Vero Beach Sr High School in May of 1960, and in October 1960, enlisted in the US Army.  After completing his training, he served overseas in Korea as part of the 8th Cavalry Regimen of the 1st Cavalry Division. When he returned to the US in July 1962, he completed his active duty term, as part of the 29th Infantry Division, at Fort Benning, GA.  He was honorably discharged in October 1963, and remained in the US Army Reserves until 1966.

In 1964 Buddy married Sharon Anne Farver Taylor (now Gore), and together they had a daughter, Rhonda Lynn Taylor (now Hall). The two later divorced in 1976.  Then in 1978, he married his late wife Judith Diane Keen Taylor. They lived and worked in Vero Beach for 35 years, until Judy's passing in February of 2014.

Through the years, Buddy worked for Florida Power & Light, Piper, Keen's Supermarket stores, and lastly for Knight & Mathis, Inc., where he retired.

Buddy never met a stranger. He was known for his friendly spirit and generous heart.   He was also known for his tremendous love of fishing.  Buddy loved any and all kinds of fishing, but his favorite was gigging flounder, from his boat, late into the night, out in the Sebastian River.  He also had a great love for Florida History, especially in the areas of Agriculture and Ecology.  He was very proud to be a native Floridian, and a true Florida "Cracker".   He loved big get-togethers with family and friends, and his favorite was always a good ol' fish fry!  Buddy had put much time into mastering the art of the perfect hush-puppy.  He loved Blue Grass music and old classic Country music.  His favorite was music by Ronnie Milsap. He also loved the comedy of Jerry Clower.

An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Buddy was proud to be Mormon.

He is greatly missed and forever loved by his daughter, Rhonda Taylor Hall, his two grand-daughters Kirstin Taylor Hall and Kaitlin Ranee Hall, and by his great-grandson, Landon Taylor Smith, all of Saint Cloud, FL. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth "Betty" Walther, of Sebastian, FL.  Buddy will be missed by many beloved cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

His memorial service and interment, are postponed to a future date, due to the current pandemic of our time, Covid-19.  Once this horrible virus is behind us and a date can be set, an announcement of such will be posted both on his daughter's Facebook page and on Buddy's memorial page at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com under his full name, as is listed above.

Our family would like to encourage you to take a few moments and think of your times shared with Buddy. Then if you would, we request that you would please share a favorite memory or story, either here on his memorial page, or directly to email address: FishingForYourMemoriesOfMyDad@ gmail.com .

Please send any written correspondence directly to his daughter at her address:

Rhonda Taylor Hall

5490 Silver Thistle Lane

Saint Cloud, FL 34772