Richard Blair Taylor

Richard Blair Taylor, 78, of Houston, formerly Eighty Four, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 9, 2019 in the Donnell House, Washington.

He was born August 17, 1940 in Blairsville, a son of Raymond and Frances Intihar Taylor.

Mr. Taylor was a graduate of Derry Area High School.

Dick started his working career as a butcher and meat manager for Roxie’s in Massachusetts.  For many years he owned West End Market in Canonsburg and retired in 2002 from Taylor Brokerage, where he brokered retail and wholesale food for Center of the Plate Food Suppliers.

He was a veteran, having served with the US Navy for four years from 1959 to 1963.  His assignment was on the USS Pawcatuck which was deployed with a carrier group in the North Atlantic and was involved during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Mr. Taylor was fiercely protective of the people he loved, especially his wife, children and grandchildren.

Dick was an avid golfer and longtime member of the Washington Country Club.

His other enjoyments included fishing, hunting and spending time on his farm in Eighty Four.

On July 30, 1984, he married Thelma Gwinn who survives.

Also surviving are daughter, Lorraine Parrish (Colonel Michael Parrish) of West Point, NY; three sons, Richard Taylor (Monica) of Van Cleave, MS, James Richey (Carol) of Houston and Benjamin Richey of Washington; nine grandchildren, Brooke and Taylor Withers, Wrenn, Jordan, Robbie and Kylen Taylor, Dillon Richey (Rachel) and Hanna and Ella Richey; two sisters, Lil Dustin and Betsy Long both of Blairsville; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are three brothers Raymond “Hezz”, Robert “Buzz” and William “Boob” Taylor.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, February 15, 2019 in the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., 27 Cherry Ave., Houston, PA 15342.   A private service with full military honors will be accorded by the VFW Post 191 Canonsburg.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Concordia Hospice of Washington, 10 Leet St., Washington, PA 15301.

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