Robert Wayne Taylor

COLUMBIA—Robert Wayne Taylor, 82, Columbia, passed away Friday, June 29, 2018.Born on December 31, 1935 in Lancaster, SC, he was the son of the late Guy Hampton and Mary Elizabeth (Faulkenberry) Taylor.Robert was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Elizabeth Ann (Thompson) Taylor; his son, Robert Jr. and wife, Laura, Atlanta, GA; his son, Matthew Craig and wife, Karen, and grandchildren, Matthew and Katelyn, Atlanta, GA; his sister, Marilyn (Taylor) Kennington, Heath Springs, SC; brother, Tommy, Heath Springs, SC; cousins, nieces and nephews.He was predeceased by brother,Jimmy Taylor, Columbia, SC. Robert received his B.A. degree and his commission as a U.S. Army officer from Presbyterian College.He spent 3 years stationed in Germany and another 3 years in the States with the rank of Captain.He began his civilian career as Chief Industrial Engineer and later Plant Superintendent for Springs Industries in Lancaster and York, respectively.Robert then dedicated his life to public service by beginning his 32 year career working for the S.C. State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education.As the Associate Director of the Economic Development division, he was head of the Center for Accelerated Technology Training and was instrumental in the recruitment of many industries to the Palmetto State.Robert and his team developed programs that enhanced the ability to attract major corporations to South Carolina and supported high-tech manufacturing operations.Under his leadership, Tech Special Schools won the U.S. President’s “Keeping America Working” award and the program achieved national acclaim from multiple media productions.It was considered America’s top technical training program.Upon his retirement, Governor Jim Hodges awarded Robert the “S.C. Order of the Silver Crescent,” which is the state’s highest civilian honor bestowed upon a South Carolinian for community service. He was praised for his lifetime of achievements and contributions to the economic growth that enhanced and improved the quality of life for the families of South Carolina. Robert served on the Board of Governors Job Training Council and on the Board of Carolina’s Society for Training and Development.He was a member of the South Carolina Industrial Developers Association, the American Society for Training and Development, the South Carolina Higher Continuing Education Association, the S.C. Economic Developers Association, the American Vocational Association, the South Carolina Technical Education Association, and the Governor’s Rural Economic Development Council.He was also a member of St. Andrews Baptist Church. Robert retired in 2002 as The Associate Executive Director for the S.C. Technical College System. Funeral services for Robert will be held at 10:30 AM, on Saturday, July 7 in Bush River Memorial Gardens, 5400 Bush River Rd., Columbia, SC.Temples Halloran Funeral Home is assisting the family. Memorial donations may be given to philanthropy.mayoclinic.org designated to Mayo Clinic’s campus in Florida.