Hokie ClubBob Taylor, one of the bestplayers on Virginia Tech’s 1947 Sun Bowl team, passed away on April 24 at thehospital in Winchester, Va. Taylor had been bothered by heart congestion amonga myriad of other ailments. His funeral was today (April 28).
Like many players of that era,Taylor served in World War II and actually fought in both the European andPacific theaters, ultimately earning a Bronze Star for his efforts in combat.Once he came back from the war, he returned to Virginia Tech and became astandout guard, helping the Hokies to the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, wherethey lost to Cincinnati 18-6 on a frigid New Year’s Day in 1947. He latergraduated from Tech and enjoyed a successful career working for the FBI.
Taylor – who returned toBlacksburg last April for a Sun Bowl team reunion – is survived by his wife,Sylvia; two children, Bob Jr., and Susan; and a brother, Frank, who also playedon that Sun Bowl team.
There are now believed to be 18living members from that team.