On the morning of Saturday, June 13, 2026, the world lost a deeply loving and joyful soul. Fredrick Karl Taylor, 88, passed away surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on April 22, 1938, in Audubon Park, Camden, New Jersey, Fred was the cherished only child of Fredrick A. and Charlotte Junghans Taylor. He spent his childhood summers in Wildwood, New Jersey, where he fell in love with the ocean—a passion that remained with him throughout his life.

Following high school, Fred answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. He proudly served for 24 years, retiring as Chief in 1980. While stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, he met and married his first wife, Mary "Bo" Taylor. Together, they navigated the adventures of military life, raising two daughters while stationed in Virginia, Florida, and Maine.

After retiring from the Navy, Fred brought his strong work ethic to the United States Postal Service in Deltona, where he worked until his retirement in 2004. A man who never shied away from hard work, he often held a second job. He famously operated "Fred's Racquet" at The Racquet Club in DeLand, where he became legendary for his homemade chocolate and strawberry pies. In 2018, Fred fulfilled his lifelong dream of coastal living when he and Dora moved to Daytona Beach Shores.

Whether you knew him as Fred, Chief, Dad, Papa, or "Funny Fred," you knew a man who loved deeply and embraced life with joy. His generosity was unmatched. He frequently welcomed sailors far from home to the family Thanksgiving table, and his Easter egg hunts were the stuff of legend. Christmas was another favorite holiday. He went all out setting up trains and Christmas décor for all to enjoy. In his later years, he found great camaraderie and formed many close friendships at the Debary VFW and the Port Orange Eagles Club. He and his wife, Dora, greatly enjoyed raising money for a variety of charitable organizations by hosting bingo at both clubs.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary "Bo" Taylor; and his son-in-law, Jerry Stone.

His legacy of love lives on through his daughters, Susan Stone and Kathryn Taylor Overstreet and her husband Chuck; his grandchildren, Mallory Rosser and her husband Dustin, Paul Overstreet and his wife Whitney, and Karl Overstreet and his wife Sarah; and his great-grandchildren, Holden and Harrison Rosser. He is also survived and deeply missed by his second wife, Dora Autorino Taylor, who lovingly referred to him as "my Fred," and by her family, who embraced him with open arms.

A memorial service will be held at the Port Orange Eagles on August 16 at 1pm. If you feel so inclined, please thank a veteran for their service in his honor, or contributions in his honor may be made to the Honor Guard at the Debary VFW Post 8093,3501 S. Charles Richard Beal Blvd, Debary FL 32713, or your favorite charity.