Robert James “Bob” Taylor, age 85, of Clay City, Illinois, passed away Monday, April 29, 2013 at his home in Clay City.

Bob was born February 18, 1928 in Patterson, Arkansas, to Robert James and Ethel Mae (Dairl) Taylor. Bob was a storyteller, often prompting tears of laughter with tales told time and time again. From an early age he affiliated with the Church of Christ, grew to treasure the Bible, and shared his faith by reciting scripture from memory. He had worked for the Singer Company in Arkansas for 28 years, and spent time talking on CB radio and enjoying old comedies like The Three Stooges and Amos ‘n’ Andy.

He is survived by 2 sons: James (Theresa) Taylor of Clay City and Carl (Diane) Taylor of Little Rock, Arkansas; 15 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Bronson Koch of Clay City. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son (Ronnie Taylor), a great-grandson (Timothy J. Young), 2 sisters (Ruth Osment and Junita Shakle), and 3 brothers (T. J. Ely, Jay T. Ely, and Marvin Taylor).

The funeral service for Bob Taylor will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Evangelist Ben Woollard officiating. Burial will follow in Orchard Hill Cemetery in Louisville. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Clay County Cancer Crusaders.