Mercer Dale Taylor

Mercer Dale Taylor, 95, native of Deltaville, Virginia, resided in Urbanna, Virginia passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026.

He was born on January 24, 1931, to the late David Andrew “Dellie” Taylor II and Gladys Mercer Taylor. Dale was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beatrice Payne Taylor; his sister, Shirley Major; and his brother, D. C. Taylor. 

He leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: his children, Tommy Taylor (Leslie), Stephen Taylor, Paula Taylor (Robbie), and stepdaughter Paula Dove (Peter); 11 grandchildren, Dylan, Jordan, Stephanie, Staci, Shannon, Emily, Casey, Kristin, Ryan, Loren, and Elaina; 13 great-grandchildren whom he adored; and many loving nieces and nephews. 

Dale dedicated much of his life to serving his community and protecting the waters he loved so dearly. He retired from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, where he served from 1958 until 1991 as an Honorary Marine Police Officer. He also served on the Middlesex County Wetlands Board and was a past president of the Virginia Waterman's Association, where he was a respected and passionate advocate for commercial watermen on the Chesapeake Bay. 

Dale was also a longtime member of the Lower Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department in Deltaville, Virginia, giving his time and service to the community he loved. His dedication and spirit were recognized in many special ways. He was honored as Honorary Captain of the Urbanna Oyster Festival and served as Grand Marshal of the Urbanna Christmas Parade. 

But to those who knew him best, Dale was much more than his many accomplishments. He was a man who loved life, loved his family, and never met a stranger. He loved the water, fishing, and crabbing. He especially enjoyed cooking oyster stew and steaming crabs for family and friends. He tended his garden with pride, collected and restored old cars, and was a talented artist who carved beautiful wooden buyboats as a cherished hobby. 

And then there was Christmas—Dale's favorite time of year. He transformed his home inside and out with spectacular displays of Christmas lights and numerous Christmas trees. For decades, one of his greatest joys was decorating floats for local parades. His creativity, enthusiasm, and childlike excitement made Christmas brighter for everyone around him. 

Some of his most treasured moments were spent with his youngest great-grandchildren. They loved listening to Pop Pop's stories and watching him dance around the living room with his beloved banjo-playing monkey, filling the room with laughter and music. 

Dale had a gift for making people feel welcome. He never met a stranger. His contagious smile, unforgettable laugh, generous spirit, and love for his family and community touched countless lives. 

He leaves behind a legacy of service, laughter, love, and cherished memories. His hands may no longer be busy working on a boat, tending his garden, carving a wooden buyboat, decorating a parade float, or preparing a family feast, but the life he built and the love he gave will continue through the generations. 

His family takes comfort in knowing that the stories, traditions, laughter, and love he shared will live on in his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those fortunate enough to have known him. 

Rest peacefully, Pop Pop. Your smile, your laughter, your stories, and your love will remain with us always. 

A graveside service and celebration of Dale's life will be announced at a later date. Please continue to check the website for updated information.

Faulkner Funeral Homes, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel, Saluda is assisting the family.