Robert Melvin "Poppa" Taylor, Sr., a lifelong resident of Theodore, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord on January 21, 2026, passing peacefully at home surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. Poppa was preceded in death by the love of his life and constant companion of 63 years, Beatrice "Nana" Faircloth Taylor, who no doubt greeted him with open arms and a smile that said, "It's about time." He was also preceded in death by his parents, George Robert Taylor and Edna Earl Kearley Taylor; his sister, Ida Louise Taylor Bosarge; and an infant baby sister. Left to cherish his memory are his three children: Robert Taylor Jr., Steven (Tina) Taylor, and Kimberly (Alan) Torchia. He was a proud Poppa to his grandchildren: Taylor (Greg) Stokley, Joshua Taylor, Landon (Avery) Taylor, Ashtyn (Ben) Everett, Raegan (Wes Porter) Taylor, and Grant (Erica) Torchia. His joy multiplied with his great-grandchildren: Chandler Stokley, Ellisyn and Radley Everett, Ethan Taylor, and Zeke Walsh, all of whom knew Poppa as a man with a big heart. Poppa retired from Ingalls / Northrop Grumman, where he worked as an engineer designing HVAC systems for military and marine vessels. He took great pride in his work but often joked that retirement was his favorite "project", one he completed three times. He loved golf, college football, especially the Alabama Crimson Tide, and anything with an engine. Cars fascinated him, from admiring a classic to talking about one just a little longer than necessary. In his younger years, when he and Nana were first married, he even tried his hand at drag racing. Music was another passion. Poppa played Hawaiian steel guitar and was part of a band that allowed him and Nana to travel, perform, and collect memories (and probably a few good stories that may or may not have been exaggerated over time). A devoted member of Oak Park Church of God, Poppa was a student of the Bible and a true Bible scholar. He loved reading Scripture, discussing it, and living it out quietly through his faith, kindness, and service. His church family was deeply important to him, and his faith shaped the man he was to everyone who knew him. Above all else, Poppa loved his family. He loved being surrounded by them, cheering them on, offering advice (whether requested or not), and making sure everyone knew exactly where they stood - loved, valued, and prayed for. Poppa leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, music, laughter, and love that will continue to echo through generations. While we grieve at his passing, we smile knowing he is reunited with Nana - likely tuning a guitar, watching football, and feeling right at home once again. In lieu of flowers, "Poppa" requested that donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association.
December 29, 1941 — January 21, 2026
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will immediately follow the service.
