Thomas Michael Taylor, age 80, passed away on April 28, 2024 at Cheyenne Medical Lodge in Mesquite, TX.

Tom was born on June 29, 1943 in Boston, MA to Walter and Anna Taylor. He was also welcomed by his older sister Martha. Both of Tom's parents were children of immigrants with Walter's family coming from Ireland and Anna's from Lithuania. This provided a rich heritage to grow up in. The family lived in the West Roxbury neighborhood. Tom graduated from Roslindale High School in 1962. He went on for a short time to Northeastern University and later took a position as a salesman for Proctor and Gamble. He also served two years in the Army.

In his early forties Tom decided to come with a friend to Dallas and thus began a new adventure. Shortly after arriving Tom met and married Rose Mary McDonald. They went on to have their four children: Martha Ann, Dorothy "Claire", Leah Elizabeth and Thomas Michael Jr. Tom was thrilled to be a father.

Over those years Tom worked in three fields. First, as a Donor Recruiter for Wadley Blood Center. At Wadley, he not only spent his time planning and scheduling blood drives but was also a committed blood/platelet donor. In 1993 he was awarded Plateletpheresis Donor of the Year.

Tom then went on to sell Oriental rugs at several metroplex galleries. He enjoyed the beauty and history of the different carpets as well as the customers he came to know.

Tom finished his working life in the automotive industry, first at O'Reilly Auto Parts and then at Advanced Auto. It was on a parts delivery that Tom suffered a stroke at the age of 75.

As a young man Tom inherited his uncle's library. This began a lifelong love for reading. Anyone who knew him, knew that he always had at least one or two books he was devouring as well as a stack of car magazines. His father worked most of Tom's life selling cars, mainly Buicks. He also co-owned a dealership at one time. This certainly played into Tom's love of cars. Tom also loved animals and enjoyed his Granddogs and Grandcats. He loved keeping up with his children's lives and all they were doing as well as his extended family.

The last five years of his life were spent in a full care facility where he made the most of life and developed many friendships. Tom never lost his thick Boston accent or his quick wit, always choosing to laugh in life and to laugh at life.

Tom is survived by his ex-wife Rose Mary Taylor, his children Martha Taylor, Claire Taylor Crosswhite and husband Jeff Crosswhite, Leah Taylor and Tommy Taylor, his sister Martha Taylor, nephew Chris Taylor and wife Kristin Taylor and great nephew Sidney Taylor.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Anna Taylor.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of May being National Pet Month, donations can be made to your local Humane Society in memory of Tom's love for animals.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 1:00pm at Williams Funeral Home in Garland, TX.