Samuel Taylor, 80, lifelong resident of East Palatka, received his eternal summons from his heavenly mansion on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 while abiding at Community Hospice - Bailey Center for Caring in St. Augustine, FL. A native of Hastings, he was born on Saturday, April 1, 1933 to Julius and Mattie Strawder Taylor. He was a graduate of Central Academy High School - Class of 1953. Following graduation, he attended Florida Memorial College in St. Augustine and subsequently enlisted into the United States Army. He served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1955. In 1962, Samuel married Ora Bell Johnson and in January, 1963, they were blessed with their beloved daughter, Nina Rene. Sam was a longtime member of Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church, East Palatka, where he served as a Trustee, Steward, Sunday School Superintendent, Building Committee Chairman, Usher Board #1 and the Male Chorus. Last year, Sam and his wife became active members of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, Palatka. In 1968, Sam began a 27-year insurance career with Life of Georgia Insurance Company, becoming District Sales manager in 1981 and retiring in 1995. He was a licensed electrical contractor (1982-1997) who utilized his numerous handyman skills joyfully to bless others. From 1972-1980, Sam was acknowledged as the first African-American citizen elected to the Putnam County School Board and was likewise elected as the District 3 Putnam County Commissioner (1988-1996). Sam was a dynamic community servant, participating in multiple local, regional, and state associations. Throughout his tenure as a public servant, Sam unselfishly served numerous agencies, including Rodeheaver's Boy's Ranch, Putnam County and East Palatka Awareness Organizations; Putnam County Alcohol and Drug Council; Meridian Behavioral Healthcare; Putnam County Federal Credit Union (Founder and Chairman of the Board), North East Florida Regional Planning Council, and Florida Association of Counties. The hobby that was near and dear to his heart.FISHING. Even after long days, he would always find time to go "catch the big one." In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his brothers, John Harvey, George, Sr., Arthur Lee, and Edward Taylor; sister, Pastor Mamie Lee Taylor Bryant; and niece, Shirley Capozzi. Cherishing his legacy: devoted wife of 51 years, Ora Bell Taylor, East Palatka; daughter & son-in-law, Nina Rene (Johnnie) Taylor-Collins, Orlando; Special "Little Friend," Jockia A. Collins, Orlando; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Mullen and Catherine Hills, both of East Palatka; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, goddaughters and countless, caring friends that will miss his presence but will cherish memories forever and always in their hearts. Visitation of family and friends at Mt. Tabor will be 5-8 p.m., Friday (with a Memorial Service from 6-7 p.m.) The Celebratory Tribute will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 27 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka. Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Pastor, is the eulogist. Bishop Mark A. Jones, Presiding Prelate, New Life Temple Fellowship of Churches, is presiding. Interment with military honors will follow at Pattersonville Memorial Cemetery, East Palatka.