A. Taylor, Jr

A. Wade Taylor Jr., 75, of Severna Park, died unexpectedly in his hometown of Glen Burnie on November 13, 2017. His life was dedicated to public service. In his younger days he was a volunteer firefighter for the Glen Burnie Fire Department and a dispatcher for the state police. He was a graduate of Glen Burnie High School, and was active with Alumni groups. He also served as an EMT. His true career path and source of pride was as an Anne Arundel County police officer where he served for 27 years. His diverse roles included Commander of Special Operations, Chief's adjutant and Detective. Education was important to him. He retired early from the department at 50 as Lieutenant pursuing his Master's Degree in Science at the University of Maryland. In his new career as a professor for 10 years, he enjoyed teaching law enforcement and criminology to all students, including young police officers. There he inspired students to explore innovative ways to prevent murder and crime rather than just react to it. He told us he became a police officer to help people who needed it. He always wanted a safer and more peaceful community and believed in a partnership between citizens and the police department. His awards and volunteer work would fill a page. He often donated his time to community events but our favorite was the Glen Burnie Carnival. To family he was a provider, role model and the guy who always took charge. He loved to cook and anything to do with the water including sailing (his Intrepid), kayaking, and scuba diving. In addition, he enjoyed reading anything he could get his hands on. His ambitious 'to do' lists overwhelmed most of us. He taught us to be prepared and proactive. We all looked up to him and sought his advice.
He is survived by his children, Deborah Smith and her husband Jay, Steve Taylor and his wife Lisa, Kimberley Thompson and her husband Christopher, Roger Taylor and his wife Linda and Brandi Dyer; his devoted siblings, Jeannie Fowler, Carol Smith and Roger and Barbara Taylor; 7 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Lynda; and his parents Arthur and Genevieve Taylor.
He was not ready to die and we are not ready to let him go. His best qualities live in all of us, giving us confidence and comfort.
The family will receive visitors at Singleton Funeral & Cremation Services, P.A., 1 2nd Ave, SW, (at Crain Hwy), Glen Burnie, on Monday, Nov. 27, from 3 to 5 PM and 7 to 9 PM for a visitation. There will be a celebration of Wade's life at, 10 AM on Tuesday, Nov. 28 in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Glen Haven Memorial Park. For condolences, please visit www.singletonfuneralhome.com.

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