Leo Randall Taylor

Dr. Leo Randall Taylor, 88, passed away October 31, 2013, in Owensboro, Kentucky. He was a native of Bell County, born in Colmar, spent his youth in Balkan, and practiced optometry in Pineville for forty seven years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claud and Lena Taylor, and his wife of 58years, Nelda Carothers Taylor.

He is survived by two children, Ginger Norris (Terry) and Scott Taylor (Krissy), three grandchildren, Lee Gilbert (Brittany), Tim Gilbert (Kate), and Casey Taylor (Nicole). He was blessed with three great grandchildren- Ben, Luke, and Leo Gilbert. Other survivors include his brother ,Clint, his brother-in-law , Hoyte Carothers, Junior (Sherry), several nieces and nephews, and special friend Thelma Pursifull..


Leo graduated from Bell County High School(1942) and Cumberland College(1944). He served his country during World War Two as a Marine and saw combat in the Pacific Campaign on several islands including Okinawa. Upon returning from the war, he earned his Doctor of Optometry degree at Southern College of Optometry (1950) in Memphis.

Leo loved the community of Pineville, his many friends, and the patients that he was honored to serve. Among his community involvement, he was an active member of Pineville's First Methodist Church, the Lion's Club , Bell Lodge 691, and the Shriners; he served as a director of the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival, former First Federal Savings and Loan, and the Cumberland College Alumni Board.

The family wishes to express particular thanks to Leo's devoted caretakers Julie, Brandy and Joyce.

Services will held on 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 23rd, 2013 at First United Methodist Church in Pineville, KY. Visitation will be from 12:00 until time of service on Saturday at the church. Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy should be directed to the First Methodist Church, 307 Virginia Avenue, Pineville, KY.40977, or to Hospice of Western Kentucky.