Carl Walker Taylor Jr. was born on May 26th 1943 in Norfolk VA and passed peacefully February 19, 2025 at 9:12 PM of natural causes.

Carl, (or as most know as “Opa”) was a lifelong Tidewater native. As a youngster Carl was no stranger to danger, barely escaping a fire and a falling tree while playing in the woods with his best friend. He was a star player on his high-school football team, a waterman, outdoorsman, and a builder at heart, he was a decorated boy scout, enjoyed camping, motorcycling and boating with friends and family. He is credited in family circles as having invented the world’s first knee-board from plywood and rope as an alternative to water-skis. He also designed and built numerous custom items including surfboard trailers, his famous log splitter, canoe trailers, wood burning stoves, numerous fishing gadgets, and his own brand of fishing rods. He often spent weekends with his family on their boat fishing and crabbing and returning their haul back to his Virginia Beach house to feast at the backyard picnic table. Carl was a mechanic, welder, and licensed boat Capitan. His career spanned 32 years in Portsmouth Naval shipyard from which he retired in 2001 as a General Forman on nuclear powered ships. He continued his career as a licensed marine Capitan for 15 years, cruising the waters of the Chesapeake bay which he loved.

Carl was an avid traveler, having visited numerous countries such as Holland, Scotland, England, Germany, Italy, Mexico, and the Bahamas. As well as over 20 states including California which he loved the most due to its beautiful coast and progressive politics. He loved being around his grandchildren and talking to them about what life had to offer.

Carl had an outsized affection for mountain music, blue grass, NASCAR and America. He prided himself as a history buff, with deep knowledge of both American and European history. He was very knowledgeable about the Tidewater area, with a sharp mind for local facts, history, and cuisine. With his unique sense of humor, he often chided and tested his family after dinner with random history questions, logic problems and spelling checks. Cribbage, playing cards, and in his younger years playing the clarinet and the banjo, were among his favorite competitive and creative activities.

As a loving, devoted father, he welcomed all into his home where he would offer unconditional hospitality. He touched every heart he came into contact with. Known for his epic parties, he drew loving crowds, who often stayed too long. Carl valued honesty, integrity, commitment, hard-work and the American dream.

He is survived by his wife, Elisabeth Taylor of 53 years; three sons, Jason Taylor, Denis Den Hartog, and Scott Taylor; and his Daughter Brenda Castlebury and their families including ten grandchildren, two girls (Leah and Ciera) and eight boys (Jimmy, Cody, Timo, Rens, Aidan, Joshua, Nathan and Lance). Preceded in death by his parents; Dorthy Taylor and Carl Taylor Sr.

A gathering will be held to honor the life and legacy of Carl on February 26, 2025, at Family Choice Funerals and Cremations located at 5401 Indian River Rd, Virginia Beach, VA., 23464 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. A memorial service will start promptly at 8:00 p.m.