Obituary of Gilbert Autra Taylor II

Our beloved brother Bart left us very suddenly to join so many who have gone before us in Heaven.  In his time here on Earth, Bart was known as an incredibly witty, sarcastic and funny man whose kindness and empathy for others knew no bounds.  He had a life-long love of animals, dogs in particular, and is survived by his very best friend of nearly 15 years, Rocco.  Rocco will make his home with and be well cared for by our sister, Jennifer, and family. 

Bart was born September 2, 1972 at St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, and made his home in St. Petersburg almost his entire life.  He was the fifth, and youngest, son of seven children, and is survived by older brothers Jimmy Phillip, William Michael, Anthony Scott, and Steven Patrick, as well as older sister Melanie Anne and younger sister Jennifer Diane.  He had scores of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, with Patrick Schall being the closest to his heart.  Bart had been present throughout all of Patrick’s life and considered him as almost a son.  His love of and pride in Patrick was immeasurable.   

Bart was a huge fan and supporter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Rays, Georgia Bulldogs, and Florida State Seminoles, among others.  He had a profound love of Ford Mustang’s, Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars, NCIS style crime shows, and in fact, studied Criminal Justice at St. Petersburg College for a time.   

He was always one to “Back the Blue”, support Veterans and all of our military personnel and their families, and reach out to anyone suffering difficult times mentally or emotionally.  As a life-long sufferer of depression and anxiety, Bart made sure his friends and loved ones knew they could turn to him for a calming voice in the storm.  Always fun and funny, quick witted and with an incredible, contagious laugh, Bart was a sensitive soul who had endured rough times quite often, but stood proud, knew who he was, and loved generally everyone. 

In lieu of flowers, we ask in honor of Bart’s passing any donations be made to an animal shelter or Veteran’s welfare group of your choice, and please, be kind.  Reach out.  Listen.  Be loving.  Always.