SAVANNAH – Ronald Vivian Taylor, Jr., 97, passed away peacefully at Hospice Savannah on March 12, 2016 after a short illness. Ron, the eldest of two children, was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on April 30, 1918 to Ronald and Alfreda Taylor.

When we look at Ron’s memorial plaque we see the dates: 1918 – 2016. What happens between those dates is the “dash” … and Ron’s “dash” was a good, long run.

His grandmother – “The Dutchess” – claimed to be from Dutch royalty and up until Ron’s death he was certain a title and a fortune awaited him in Rotterdam. Ron’s grandmother had pet names for the family: His mother was Boopsie, Fred – Ron’s brother – was Poodalah, and Ron was Snookie. It wasn’t until his third birthday that he learned his real name was Ronald.

Ron regaled the family with happy stories about his youth:

• Riding out to Cooney Island with his dog on the running board.
• Raising his 20 carrier pigeons on the rooftop of their brownstone in Brooklyn.
• Winning swimming competitions for which we still have his medals.
• Earning his Star Scouting badge in the Boy Scouts.

Drafted during World War II Ron quickly excelled as a leader, becoming an officer and earning his wings in the Army Air Corp. On one of his training flights, a deep dive ruptured his right ear drum which prevented him from combat and put an end to his love for swimming. However, he completed his training and became a flight instructor.

In 1944 he met his future bride, singer Lillian (Bonnie) Clark while attending one of her nightclub performances at The Casbah in New York City. Swept up by her wonderous voice, Ron fell hook, line and sinker, and wrote an impassioned letter asking to meet. Bonnie agreed but he had to meet her in Duquoin, Illinois, her hometown. Ron took the twelve-hour train from his training base in Alabama up to Duquoin for the one-evening date. He arrived at midnight to be greeted by Bonnie, her parents and four brothers and sisters. (He did not quite expect that.) Three months later they were married and remained together up until Bonnie’s death in 2013. They had two children a daughter and son, Pamela and Cameron.

A­­­fter his discharge from the service, he studied commercial art at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y., later becoming a well–respected art director and magazine designer on Madison Avenue. In 1951, Ron and Bonnie moved the family to Wilton, Connecticut, where the children spent their happy formative years. Ron continued to commute to New York City.

Perhaps the most glamorous of his many jobs was working as art director for Photoplay magazine in the 1950s – the People magazine of its time. He directed the cover photos of such legendary stars as Elizabeth Taylor (who was stunningly beautiful but wore very strong perfume), Grace Kelly (who was a snob and had moles on her back); Ann Blyth (who flirted and wanted to go out to dinner with him); Janet Leigh (who got stuck in the bathroom which had to have the hinges removed to get her out); and his favorite Debbie Reynolds (who was fun and full of charm).

But the most telling about Ron’s personality was his hiring a young freelance illustrator by the name of Andy Warhol. Ron gave Andy assignments but thought he was too weird and would avoid him if their paths might cross on a Manhattan street. And to Ron’s detriment (and his children’s regret) he threw out all the little drawings and cards Andy had sent him.

In the 1960s after leaving Photoplay Ron worked for Time, Inc. and MacFadden Publications in N.Y.C, and Save the Children and Famous Schools in Westport, Conn. At Famous Schools, a renowned correspondence school for aspiring artists, photographers and writers, one of Ron’s art directing assignments was to hire Norman Rockwell to do a special illustration. Sadly, Norman and Dad did not hit it off (we don’t know why) … but they got the job done.

In 1977 he opened his own business Taylor Associates in Stratford, Conn., designing publications for Fortune 500 companies like GE, Exxon and Armstrong Rubber Co. Ron was happiest being his own boss. He had a short commute to the office and he could play golf as often as he pleased. His son Cameron joined him in business and Ron taught him all that he knows. Cameron had a great deal of admiration for his Dad as a designer and businessman, and continued Taylor Associates for 25 more years after Ron’s retirement in 1984.

He was a member of the Elks, Rotary Club and Masonic Lodge.

Upon retirement Ron and Bonnie moved from Connecticut to The Landings in Savannah, Ga., which Ron thought was paradise. Loving golf they chose to build their last home together on the 18^th fairway of the Plantation course.

An early member of the Landings Art Association, designing its first logo, he was a prolific and passionate painter exhibiting in many shows.

He was a member of the Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church and the Neighborhood Bible Study Group.

Ron was a devoted husband, caring for Bonnie at home during her final frail years. He was amazing doing that.

After Bonnie’s passing in 2013, Ron moved to Savannah Square into a two-bedroom cottages. No longer “artist” Ron Taylor, his new avocation was writing short stories, now calling himself “author” Ron Taylor.

He continued to drive up to the age of 95 when he unfortunately had a minor accident which he decided to protest – in his typical head-strong fashion – in court. The judge asked, “How old are you?” Ron said 95 and the judge said, “Get rid of that car and turn in your license.” It was a devastating blow to his independence.

One of Ron’s favorite pastimes was eating. He relished a good meal with great gusto, savoring each delectable bite while sipping his dirty martini or Pinot Grigio .. or as Ron would say, “Pinot GREE-giO.”

He loved the Square and met Pat, a fellow resident and a true Georgia Peach. Their two-year relationship brought each of them great joy and companionship. It’s nice to know you can love again at 95.

Ron’s goal was to live to 100 … but alas it was not meant to be. His God called him home. He was a man of faith, a devoted husband, a loyal friend, a good father and grandfather, and a force to be reckoned with. He was fiercely independent, bigger than life … sometimes with no filters … but those who met him never forgot him. We loved him and he will be sorely missed.

Surviving are his daughter Pamela Smith of Punta Gorda, Fla., his son Cameron Taylor and his wife Stephanie of Deep River, Conn., and his grandson Peter Smith of Orlando, Fla.

Funeral services were held at Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, March 16, 2016.

Donations may be made to the Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church, 50 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, Ga. 31411 or Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, Ga. 31416.

Upon retirement in 1984 Ron and Bonnie moved from Connecticut to The Landings in Savannah, Ga., which Ron thought was paradise. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Landing Art Association and Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church, and active in the Neighborhood Bible Study Group.

Surviving are his daughter Pamela Smith of Punta Gorda, Fla., his son Cameron Taylor and his wife Stephanie of Deep River, Conn., and his grandson Peter Smith of Orlando, Fla.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church, 50 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, Ga. 31411 or Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, Ga. 31416.

Please sign our online guest book at www.foxandweeks.com.