Paul Douglas Taylor

In Loving Memory of Paul Douglas Taylor

August 7, 1944 – October 22, 2026

Paul Douglas Taylor was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, faithful servant of Christ, and a respected funeral director whose life was defined by compassion, service, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. For more than 60 years, Paul dedicated himself to the funeral service profession, comforting grieving families, honoring the lives of those who had passed, and serving as a steady source of strength during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Born on August 7, 1944, in Jacksonville, Florida, Paul built a remarkable legacy through his professional accomplishments, community involvement, and, most importantly, his love for his family.

Throughout his distinguished career, Paul served families in Gainesville, Fort Lauderdale, and Ocala, through Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services. His calling extended far beyond the walls of the funeral home. He understood that being a funeral director was more than a profession; it was a ministry of compassion, dignity, and service. He recognized the importance of walking alongside families in their moments of sorrow, offering comfort when words were difficult to find and ensuring that every life entrusted to his care received the respect and honor it deserved.

For Paul, funeral service was not simply about caring for the deceased. It was about caring for the living. His more than six decades in the profession reflected a lifetime of dedication to the families he served, the colleagues he mentored, and the communities he helped strengthen. His influence reached well beyond the families he served directly, leaving a lasting impression on fellow funeral directors and others who shared his commitment to helping people through life’s most difficult transitions.

Paul’s passion for service extended into numerous civic, emergency response, and professional organizations. He served as president of the Davie/Cooper City Rotary Club and the North Broward Kiwanis Club, as well as in leadership with the North Andrews Volunteer Fire Department and Broward Central Volunteer Fire Rescue. He also served as a retired deputy and Deputy Commander of the Federal Disaster Mortuary Team, including service as a DMORT Deputy Commander. Through this work, Paul helped provide critical support and dignified care during times of disaster, demonstrating courage, professionalism, and a deep respect for human life.

His professional leadership also included serving as former chairman of the Broward County Disaster Red Cross, past president of the Broward Funeral Directors Association, and past president of the North Central Florida Funeral Directors Association. He was also a member of the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and CHAMPS. These roles reflected his commitment to advancing the funeral service profession, supporting his fellow directors, and making a meaningful difference wherever he was called to serve.

While Paul accomplished much throughout his career, his greatest pride and deepest joy were found at home.

Paul shared 64 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Valerie Tinker Taylor. Their life together was a testament to enduring love, commitment, and partnership. He was a devoted father to his daughter, Cindy Lynn Woodall, and son-in-law, Randy. He was also a loving brother to Carol Harrison and her husband, Mike, and Kent Taylor and his wife, Robin.

Paul treasured his twin grandsons, Matthew and Andrew Woodall, and delighted in his great-grandchildren, Emmalynn, James and Remington Woodall. Although his professional accomplishments were many, Paul was most proud of his family. They were the center of his world, his greatest blessing, and the legacy he cherished above all else. The time he spent with his wife and family brought him his greatest happiness, and the love he poured into their lives will continue through generations to come.

Outside of his professional and civic commitments, Paul enjoyed country music, carpentry, and giving back to his community. He found satisfaction in working with his hands and creating things with care and purpose. He proudly supported the University of Florida Gators and the Tampa Bay Rays, enjoying the excitement and fellowship that came with following his favorite teams.

Paul and his family were members of Meadowbrook Church in Ocala, where his faith remained an important part of his life. His walk with the Lord gave deeper meaning to his commitment to serving others and loving those around him. The same compassion that guided his work as a funeral director reflected the heart of a man who understood the value of caring for people, extending kindness, and being present when others needed him most.

Paul spent more than 60 years helping families say goodbye to the people they loved. He knew the importance of a final farewell, the comfort of a caring presence, and the sacred responsibility of honoring a life well lived. Now, those who knew and loved Paul are called to say goodbye to a man who spent his life helping others through that very moment. Though the loss is deeply felt, his family and friends can find comfort in knowing that the man who helped so many others through their grief has been welcomed into his eternal home.

Paul will be missed by many, but he is welcomed HOME by even more friends, family, and, most importantly, his Savior, Jesus Christ.

His earthly work is complete, but the legacy he leaves behind will continue in the families he served, the colleagues he influenced, the communities he strengthened, and the generations of his own family who will carry his love forward.

A funeral director by profession, a servant by nature, a family man by heart, and a faithful Christian by belief, Paul Douglas Taylor leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by titles, years of service, or professional achievements alone. His true legacy is found in the countless lives he touched, the dignity he brought to his calling, and the love he gave so freely to those around him.

Though Paul spent a lifetime helping others find peace in their final goodbyes, today we take comfort in knowing that he has found his eternal peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Service Information:

Visitation will be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, located at 910 East Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, Florida, at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m.

Paul’s life was one of service, compassion, faith, and love. Though he will be deeply missed, the example he set and the legacy he leaves behind will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.