Robert Leonard "Bob" Taylor, M.D., 84, of Fernandina Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026.

Born on December 14, 1941, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Bob was the son of Robert and Norma Taylor. He graduated from Wiley High School in 1959 before entering Indiana University's pre-medical program. His exceptional academic achievements earned him early admission to the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1962, where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1966.

Following medical school, Bob completed his internship at Methodist Hospital Graduate Medical Center in Indianapolis and was honored as Outstanding Intern of the Year in 1967. He then remained at Methodist to complete his residency in General Surgery.

After completing his residency, Bob proudly served his country as a physician in the United States Air Force. Stationed at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, he served from 1971 until 1973.

Upon completing his military service, Bob established a general surgery practice in Danville, Indiana. In 1979, he and his family relocated to Fernandina Beach, Florida, where he continued his surgical career at Nassau General Hospital, later known as Baptist Medical Center Nassau. He retired from medicine in 2002 after a distinguished career spanning more than 35 years.

Above all else, Bob was devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Jo "BJ" Taylor; his son, Ryan Taylor; his daughter, Kimberly Pratnicki and her husband, Stan; and his cherished grandchildren, Samantha and Dillon Taylor.

He is also lovingly remembered by his stepchildren, Trey Martin and his wife, Kate; Lance Martin and his wife, Vicki, and by his step-grandchildren, Zach Martin and Ridge Martin and three great grandchildren.

Bob will be remembered for his quiet strength, his sense of humor and his love of medicine. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched as a physician, husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2600 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/donate.html or Prince of Peace Lutheran Church https://poplcweb.com/give .