Timothy James Taylor, 60, of Pensacola, FL passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 8, 2023.

Born April 30, 1963, Fairfax, VA to Edwin and Yvonne Taylor, Tim grew into an exceptional youth. During summers, he mowed George Washington's Mount Vernon estate lawns. He earned an Eagle Scout badge, and in high school, was an active member of the debate team. While attending Purdue University, he participated in the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, the Reserve Officers Training Corp, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

In 1985, he began service in the US Navy Civil Engineering Corps awaiting orders to flight school because his real passion was to fly. Shortly after, he made it a reality by earning his aviator's wings in Pensacola, FL. He transferred to NAS Miramar, San Diego, CA for F14 flight training at VF-124. Upon completion, he served in the Gulf War flying carrier combat missions with Fighter Fleet Squadron VF-213 and earned membership in the "Martin-Baker Tie Club." After two deployments, he returned to VF-124 as a squadron instructor while simultaneously earning a master's degree in business administration. The following assignment led to Fighter Fleet Squadron VF-11 also at NAS Miramar.

His cross training included flying Electronic Warfare Prowlers in VAQ-129 with a follow-on squadron tour at VAQ-135, both at Whidbey Island, WA. Another instructor tour followed at TW-6 in Pensacola, FL helping flight students earn their wings. He then traveled to Osan, South Korea working with the Air Force at the Air Component Command. He returned to Pensacola for the Navy's flight training command as Chief of Staff where he excelled in creating operational efficiencies. After 20 years of service, he retired in 2006. His distinguished career resulted in two Strike Flight Air Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, and the elite CIA "Challenge" coin award in addition to a plethora of commendations.

Upon his military retirement, he began employment with CACI, Int'l, providing expertise in support of our national security defense efforts where he worked for the next 17 years until his passing. During this period, he earned both his Project Management Institute (PMP) certificate and a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, as well as numerous CACI accolades, most notably the Entrepreneur Award.

In his spare time, Tim acquired a private pilot's license and became an advanced open water diver. Later in life, he discovered the sport of rowing, becoming one of the leading members of the Pensacola Rowing Club for 10 years. He was also an avid reader about all things WWII and history in general.

His dedication to his country was unwavering - his generosity without equal. Within the naval community, his call sign was "Fridge," not only because he was cool headed, but because he ruptured the coolant line on a carrier ready room refrigerator he was installing on the USS Lincoln. Half of the ready room cleared out in a panic over a "freon" scare providing everyone a hearty laugh. So, it stuck…To his family, friends, and coworkers, he was always a leader, a good neighbor, courageous, a tutor, the go-to guy, and a rowing mentor in all respects. Forever the role model, a warrior, a doer of good deeds. And now, he is working towards his second set of wings: angel, junior grade. He will always be remembered as the "Best of the Best – always helping others."

Tim is survived by his spouse of 35 years, Sandra Taylor, of Pensacola, FL; his parents, Edwin & Yvonne Taylor of Gainesville, VA; his sister, Mary (Greg) DellaPeruto of Bristow, VA; his brother, T.J. (Joy) Taylor of Montclair, VA; and loving in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of long-time friends.

A memorial service will be held 1:00pm Friday, August 4, 2023, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32504, with Rev. Mike Mashburn officiating. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tim's honor can be made to the Pensacola Rowing Club on their home page regarding his commemorative fund at https://www.pensacolarowing.org .

To view the livestream please click here: https://my.gather.app/remember/cdr-timothy-j-taylor-usn-ret