Carl L. Taylor, “Coach”
Born March 24, 1932 - laid to rest on January 21, 2020
Coach Taylor was loved by everyone who knew him and truly loved in return. He lived his life with a positive and loving attitude and always saw the positive and good in everyone. Coach was devoted to his family, friends and pets. Among his loves are sports, the beach, pelicans, carousel horses and trains.
Beloved husband of Debra nee Pajkos for over 28 years. Devoted father of Carla Sandstrom and the late Timothy Taylor. Cherished grandfather (Bepa) of Tyler (Amanda) Sandstrom and Caely Sandstrom (Chris Edwards). Great grandfather of Sky, Izzy, Emma, Will and Abby. Coach was a lover of all animals, especially his babies, Bubba, BearBear, Osce, Ola, Renegade and Tucky. Army veteran, serving in the Korean War with the 101 Airborne Division. Graduated from Austin Peay State University with a Master of Arts in Education. Coached and played basketball at Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee. Also coached basketball at Hendersonville High School, Hendersonville, TN; Samford University, Birmingham, AL; Faulkner State Community College, Bay Minette, AL and Niceville High School, Niceville, FL. He finished his career at Mary Esther Elementary School, Mary Esther, FL where he lovingly called it “the university of the young at heart”. He was a member of the Ft. Walton Beach Elks Lodge #1795 and the All Sports Assoc. Well known as the “Voice of Raider Basketball” at Northwest Florida State College. Devoted fan of the Kentucky Wildcats basketball and Florida State University football.
A celebration of Life will be held at the Elks Lodge #1795 in Ft. Walton Beach, FL on March 14, 2020. Further details to come.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Carl L Taylor, please visit our floral store.