Colonel Wallace Taylor
Donation protected
On Friday February 26, Wallace “Colonel” Anderson Taylor of Zephyrhills, Florida passed away peacefully at Gulfside Hospice in Zephyrhills, FL at the age of 96. Wallace was born May 4, 1924 in Louisville, Kentucky. As a teenager Wallace joined the Army Air Corp in 1941 to help support the war efforts during WW2. He continued to serve his country after WW2 having been promoted to Staff Sargent (SSG). Wallace deployed to Korea with the Army’s “38th Ordinance Company” as the section chief. SSG Taylor and his platoon were tasked with supporting the Marines 1st Armored Amphibious Unit on the front lines north of the 38 parallel. SSG Taylor went to where the action was and supported many operations such as Guerilla Operation “Wolf Pack” north of the 38th parallel. Taylor was promoted to Technical Sergeant now known as Sergeant First Class during his time in the war.
After the Korean War TSGT Taylor returned home to Louisville, Kentucky. As a result of his service to his nation, TSGT Taylor was awarded the title “Kentucky Colonel”, which is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This commission is given to individuals in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments, contributions to Kentucky society, remarkable deeds, and outstanding service to a community, state, or nation.
Following his service and the end of the Korean War, Wallace spent most of his time traveling. Always fond of new places and new adventures, Wallace operated “Colonel Taylor’s Fly By Night” concessions all over the United States at county fairs, music festivals and other events.
Wallace eventually retired to Zephyrhills, Florida where he raised boarder collies and maintained his home. A stranger to none, Wallace was known and beloved by many in his community for his fast wit, generous heart and his caring soul. Those who knew him speak fondly of his desire to help those in need and his deep love for the United States.
Wallace outlived his immediate family and is technically unclaimed, however he has left a legacy and let his wishes be known. Wallace’s remains will be transported from Jennings Funeral Home in Sarasota, Florida to his final resting place at Rest Haven Cemetery in Buechel, Kentucky for a funeral service with full military honors. He will receive a motorcycle escort called “The Final Mile” along the 1056-mile journey by the great men and volunteers of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) a Veterans Service Organization and 501C19 non-profit committed to ensuring that no Veteran of the United States Military will be forgotten and buried without the proper military honors.
Wallace’s funeral service will be held on April 18, 2021 at Resthaven Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that well wishers and those that knew Wallace please make a donation to help fund his Final Mile funeral escort and associated expenses via the GoFundMe account that has been established. The donations will be used to offset the cost of transportation, escorts and military honors that will be given to Wallace --- all things that he certainly deserved. Any funds raised in excess of actual funeral costs will be donated to CVMA FL chapter 20-10 to support unclaimed veterans funeral honors and the Final mile program in the greater Tampa Bay area.
After the Korean War TSGT Taylor returned home to Louisville, Kentucky. As a result of his service to his nation, TSGT Taylor was awarded the title “Kentucky Colonel”, which is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This commission is given to individuals in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments, contributions to Kentucky society, remarkable deeds, and outstanding service to a community, state, or nation.
Following his service and the end of the Korean War, Wallace spent most of his time traveling. Always fond of new places and new adventures, Wallace operated “Colonel Taylor’s Fly By Night” concessions all over the United States at county fairs, music festivals and other events.
Wallace eventually retired to Zephyrhills, Florida where he raised boarder collies and maintained his home. A stranger to none, Wallace was known and beloved by many in his community for his fast wit, generous heart and his caring soul. Those who knew him speak fondly of his desire to help those in need and his deep love for the United States.
Wallace outlived his immediate family and is technically unclaimed, however he has left a legacy and let his wishes be known. Wallace’s remains will be transported from Jennings Funeral Home in Sarasota, Florida to his final resting place at Rest Haven Cemetery in Buechel, Kentucky for a funeral service with full military honors. He will receive a motorcycle escort called “The Final Mile” along the 1056-mile journey by the great men and volunteers of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) a Veterans Service Organization and 501C19 non-profit committed to ensuring that no Veteran of the United States Military will be forgotten and buried without the proper military honors.
Wallace’s funeral service will be held on April 18, 2021 at Resthaven Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that well wishers and those that knew Wallace please make a donation to help fund his Final Mile funeral escort and associated expenses via the GoFundMe account that has been established. The donations will be used to offset the cost of transportation, escorts and military honors that will be given to Wallace --- all things that he certainly deserved. Any funds raised in excess of actual funeral costs will be donated to CVMA FL chapter 20-10 to support unclaimed veterans funeral honors and the Final mile program in the greater Tampa Bay area.
Organizer
Melissa Scharber
Organizer
Dade City, FL
