Harvey Edward Taylor, Jr.

Harvey Edward Taylor, Jr. passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach after a brief but intense illness. Ed was born on May 31, 1951, in Boaz, Alabama, to Harvey and Juanita Taylor, the first of three children.

Ed moved to his cherished “little town” of Vero Beach in 1958, and it was there that he felt his life truly began. He rarely mentioned his birth in Alabama or early years in Fort Myers, preferring to focus on his deep connection to Vero Beach. His formal education started at Beachland Elementary School, and he proudly graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1969.

Ed was an active member of First Baptist Church and The Cub Scouts in his youth, where he developed his characteristic sense of humor and social charm. His natural musical talent, particularly on the piano, delighted his peers and likely caused more than a few teachers to consider early retirement. One of his most memorable moments was playing “Wipe Out” on the piano at the school talent show with a classmate. Inspired by his idol Bob Dylan, Ed took up the guitar and memorized every song Dylan recorded, further fueling his passion for music.

After high school, Ed spent a semester at Indian River Community College, where a low GPA and a high draft number encouraged him to leave for Atlanta. There, he worked at a bank, which gave him a newfound appreciation for his hometown. Ed returned to Vero Beach, graduated from IRCC, and won a national DECA award for an advertising campaign he developed for the very bank where he had worked. This success led him to his beloved University of Florida, where he earned a degree in journalism and advertising.

Ed held various jobs throughout his life, starting with a paper route and later working at Publix and Anchor Hardware on Miracle Mile. After college, he worked at The Indian River Citrus Bank, WTTB, and WAXE, where he became News Director. He also dabbled in television reporting with WTVX. The only job that took him away from Vero was as Editor of The Florida Market Bulletin, a Florida Department of Agriculture publication.

At one point, Ed questioned his life’s direction as a UF Gator living in Tallahassee and felt a sincere calling to become an attorney. His love for law led him to attend four different law schools, starting at Samford, moving to Oral Roberts University, then Wake Forest, and finally obtaining his degree at Mississippi College. His determination and grit were evident as he followed his calling. Upon graduating, he was hired as an Assistant State Attorney, serving as a prosecutor for over two decades until his retirement.

Ed earned the respect of many in his legal career. He approached his work with integrity, empathy, and a sense of purpose while maintaining his signature humor and charm. His colleagues, law enforcement, victims of crime, and even individuals he had prosecuted held him in high regard. Many credited him with turning their lives around, citing his open door and unwavering spirit in their pursuit of justice.

Ed was a true Renaissance man outside his professional life, cultivating his talents as a musician, actor, and writer. Whether he was performing “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” as the keyboardist for his band, Full Circle, portraying Scrooge or Grandpa in Christmas plays at First Church of God, or writing sharp-witted commentary under the pseudonym Max Newport, Ed’s creative spirit shone. Just before his illness, he was rehearsing to return to the stage as a cast member in Miracle on 34th Street.

A devout Christian, Ed shared his musical gifts in church and opened his home to those in need, going out of his way to support and encourage others. His last meal was the Eucharist, and in his final days, he spoke of hearing heavenly music as he prepared to leave this world. True to form, Ed maintained his sharp wit and gracious demeanor until the very end. Just hours before his passing, he joked with the palliative care team in the ICU and expressed his gratitude for their care.

Ed is survived by his loving partner and wife, Katharine “Kay” Hammond, their beloved dog Charlie; his sister, Elaine Taylor; his brother, David (Pilar) Taylor; his stepdaughters, Duska Fedick and Delta Roybal; his niece, Julia Taylor Smith; and his nephew, Andrew Taylor. He is predeceased by his parents, his former wife of over two decades, Linda, and his canine best friend, Maxwell (“The Mighty Wonder Dog”).

Services will be held on Saturday, January 25, at First Baptist Church located at 2206 16th Avenue, Vero Beach, with visitation at 1:00 PM, with the service to follow at 2.00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach.