On Thursday, September 28, 2023, Gilbert Edward Taylor Jr left his loving family and stepped into the arms of his personal savior Jesus Christ.

Gilbert (Joe) Edward Taylor, Jr., 88, was born on February 18,1935 in Newport News Va to the late Gilbert E Taylor Sr and Jessie B Taylor. Joe grew up in Newport News, Va and was a 1953 graduate of Newport News High School.

Joe was a tile setter by trade and was very meticulous in his work. He started his profession at Pompeii Tile, then became part owner of The Tile Shop in Hampton, Va. Many residences, commercial buildings, schools and military bases in the area were touched by his talented hands. In 1989, he left The Tile Shop to become the initial owner/operator of Coliseum Crossing Exxon in Hampton. Upon his retirement in 2001, he continued to share his talent and expertise by doing the occasional tile job.

Joe had a strong faith in his Lord Jesus Christ and was a long-time member of Liberty Baptist Church serving for many years as Head Usher and with The Builders work group doing many different construction projects around the church.

Of all his many accomplishments in life, Joe proudly put his family at the top of his list. He is survived by his wife June D Taylor, son Michael L Taylor Sr and wife Deborah, grandson Michael L Taylor Jr and wife Shannon, great-grandson Edward J Taylor, great-granddaughter Allisen S Taylor, granddaughter-in-law Crystal B Taylor, stepdaughter Sandra Anderson and husband David, stepson Bruce DeGinder and many, many other special family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his wife Norma K Taylor, sister Elizabeth T Peffer, sons Robert H Taylor and Gilbert E Taylor III and grandson Keith E Taylor.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr Mark Souther and staff, and to Riverside Hospice for the excellent care given to Joe in his final days. We will be eternally grateful for your kindness to our husband, dad, granddad and great granddaddy.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Liberty Baptist Church with interment to follow in Peninsula Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church Tuesday from 1-2 pm.

Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.