On December 6th, our family lost our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He touched so many people not only because of his outstanding accomplishments, but because he was a symbol of integrity, kindness, and grace. Dr. Frank E. Taylor was born on September 18, 1923, in Charleston, SC. He was educated at Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond, VA and graduated with a BS degree, magna cum laude, from Hamden-Sydney College. While there, he was in Chi Phi Fraternity and was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, National Leadership Honor Society. He was also awarded the Gammon Cup, which is the Hamden-Sydney’s President’s award to a graduating student for outstanding character, scholarship, athletics, and sportsmanship.

Just two months before graduating, he was called to serve in World War II. He rose to the rank of Sargeant, positioned in Headquarters Battery, 358 field artillery Battalion, 95th Infantry Division under General Patton’s 3rd army. He was recognized with a Certificate of Merit from the Battalion Commander for his contributions in the Artillery Command Center. As one of the Iron Men of Metz, he and his troop successfully battled to take back and secure the city of Metz from German occupation. In 2013, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor for his service and sacrifice on behalf of the French citizens.

After the war, Dr. Taylor met the love of his life, Sarah Belle Smith, at a dance in Richmond. They enjoyed 69 happy years of marriage. Frank attended the University of Virginia Medical School from 1946-1950 where he was awarded his MD Degree. He interned at UVA Hospital and was granted a Fellowship in Internal Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic. Subsequently, he served in a variety of positions at the University of Virginia Hospital which included Senior Resident of Internal Medicine and Instructor of Neurology. From 1955-1961, he practiced medicine in Roanoke, VA. In 1961, he and his growing family returned to Charlottesville to join an Internal Medicine private practice at Martha Jefferson Hospital. During his years in practice, he was appointed Chief of Staff at Martha Jefferson Hospital and Clinical Professor of Medicine at the UVA Health Sciences Center. After retiring at age 70, he continued to work part-time as a physician for hospital employees and the Charlottesville Free Clinic. He was a charter member of the Albemarle County Rotary Club, and a Deacon and Elder of Westminster Presbyterian Church. He was a life member of the Mayflower Society and Sons of the Revolution. During his last years, Frank enjoyed the lessons and camaraderie of his weekly faith group meetings.

He was predeceased by his wife, Sarah Smith Taylor and is survived by his three children: Sally Hurley Rockwell(Bill), Nancy Atkins(Reed) and Frank Taylor Jr; five grandchildren: Joseph Hurley(Kaylen), Casey Taft(Jonathan), Peter Hurley(Megane), Amanda Atkins Ashley(Brent), William Atkins; five great grandchildren: Boyd Hurley, Hollis Hurley, Corinne Hurley, Kathryn Taft and Brady Taft.

Beyond these and other accomplishments, he was quick to smile and laugh at himself. He was a caring physician who would hold a patient’s hand and really listen. He thrived on social connection and could deliver engaging stories. Not to mention, he was able to sink a two-handed set shot in basketball at 80 years old and gently hold his great grandchildren in his arms until 101 years of age.

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit Hill and Wood Funeral Service.