Leon Edward Taylor's Obituary
Dr. Taylor had a large smile and a gentle spirit. He passed away at the age of 83 on Sunday evening, February 12,2023. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, June 6, 1939, to Leon and Gracie Taylor. When he was two years old his family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. A second move in 1943 took the family to Elyria, Ohio where he was raised, attending the local schools: McKinley Elementary, Eastern Heights Jr High, and Elyria High School where he graduated in 1957. Leon then attended Miami of Ohio University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1961. Since his goal was to become a doctor, Leon moved to the San Francisco Bay Area where his family had relocated. There he worked as a toll taker on the San Francisco Bridge Bay Bridge to earn money for medical school. A slight twist in goals led him to the School of Dentistry at Howard University. After graduation he returned to California and practiced as a dentist for 42 years serving patients at offices first in Berkeley, then in Oakland. Leon retired in May of 2012 after having provided loving care to many patients.
During his years of active practice, Leon was active in the Greater Bay Area Dental Society. They raised funds for scholarships and other deserving causes. Many people enjoyed the fundraisers he organized for The Golden Gate Fields Day at the Races. Leon also belonged to the National Dental Society (NDS) whose membership was primarily Black dentists. This organization was a source of support and comradery for the fairly small number of Black dentists in the area. The organization was also community minded.
After retirement from his dental practice, Leon spent more time participating in yet another love: choral singing. Leon had been a member of various choirs since high school including the Earl Harvey Chorale, the Bill Bell Choir, the Kinchen Chorale, and Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church’s Voices of Lakeshore. A devout Christian, Leon has served his church not only in the choir but also as Moderator of the church congregation, various committees, and a supportive member of the Hunger Task Force, a committee that raises funds to help feed, clothe and provide Christmas gifts for those in need.
Leon loved playing all types of games whether boxed, with cards, dominoes, or on a grassy field. And he loved to win. He had a thirst for adventure. All Seasons Ski Club provided many opportunities to satisfy that thirst. There was canoeing, hiking, camping, picnicking and partying with other Ski Club members. The family cabin in Tahoe served as a base for snow skiing around Lake Tahoe, California, but he also managed to use his gear in Vancouver BC, Banff, Aspen, Sun Valley, and Austria. Leon drew a line, however at sky diving from an airplane. He opted for indoor sky diving instead. Before his beloved 911 let him down, Leon enjoyed many activities and car rallies with Black Porsche Inc.
He was active in his fraternity taking leadership roles whenever possible
Leon is survived by his brother, Eskridge Rodney Taylor; sister Sylvia A Taylor-Smith (Theodore); sister Beverly Jeffery (Jimmie); nieces Cynthia Taylor and Kabibi Taylor. He is also survived by first cousins: George Hill Jr, Emmette Eskridge, Vivian Finch-Courts, Charlene Greene, Sydney Johnson in Ohio; Elouise Campbell, Charles Finch in New Jersey; Tina Hughes in North Carolina; Justine Bush in Georgia; Louvenia Hayes in Tennessee; Anthony Johnson in California. Numerous cousins’ spouses and children as well a wealth of friends and colleagues are left to fondly remember him.
Services will be held March 4, 2023, 11am at Lakeshore Ave Baptist Church, 3534 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland, California
What’s your fondest memory of Leon?
What’s a lesson you learned from Leon?
Share a story where Leon's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Leon you’ll never forget.
How did Leon make you smile?