Robert Nixon Taylor, age 98, of Newport News, Virginia died at home in the loving presence of his family on July 21, 2024.

Bob was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, December 22, 1925, the son of Julien Knox Taylor and Helen Nixon Taylor.

He trained as a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Following service in the United States Navy, he obtained an MBA at the Wharton School of Business Administration.

For many years, Bob owned and operated the Wrightsville Marina in Wrightsville Beach, N.C. He later worked in the shipbuilding industry in Chester, Pennsylvania and Newport News, Virginia.

Bob was a lifelong builder of boats, his first at age 15. He became a champion sailor, racing one-design dinghies. Later in life he crafted cabinetry and furniture. In middle age he became a painter of pictures; watercolor landscapes of beaches, work boats, and farm houses, all from the Carolina low country. To family events he brought stories of the Taylors past. Most tales were lighthearted and whimsical, but some were heartbreakingly sad, ending with tears in his eyes and in the eyes of those sitting around. He appreciated cookies, flowers and small children.

Bob is survived by his wife, Eleanor P. Taylor; and children: James H. Taylor, Nancy C. Taylor Williams, MaryBeth Myles, Jane Myles Nettles (Scott), Thomas E. Myles, and Jennifer Myles Wickersham (Dave), 17 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his first wife Clare Cochran Taylor and son Robert N. Taylor Jr.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Oakdale Cemetery in Wilmington, North Carolina.