George E. Taylor II of Lompoc passed away Tuesday November 4, 2014 after an on-again, off-again struggle with Melanoma Cancer.

George was born in San Luis Obispo's General Hospital on April 7th, 1946 to George and Mary Taylor. He grew up in Lompoc, spent part of his childhood on the Jalama Ranch, and graduated from Lompoc High School in 1964. Shortly after graduating he enlisted in the US Navy. Initially stationed at Lemoore Naval Base in California he was soon sent overseas and deployed to several tours on various aircraft carriers. He eventually spent the majority of his service aboard the USS Saratoga CVA-60, where he achieved his highest ranking as Senior Line Petty Officer Second Class. On the VA-113 and VA-122 attack squadrons he achieved status of Plane Captain and "Stinger" and was responsible for the performance of the A-7A "Corsair ll", the "newest" of the Navy attack jets for that time period. After his military service he continued to work as a mechanic at Beattie Ford in Lompoc. During this time he met and married his wife of 41 years, Andrea (Cabral) Taylor, they had two children.

George will always be known for his 30 plus years of owning and operating Taylor's 76 service station on the corner of A Street and Ocean Avenue. His honest approach and trustworthy ethics made him well respected in the community and among his longtime employees. Upon retirement his favorite past times included spending time with his grandchildren, volunteering at "The Estrella Warbirds Museum" in Paso Robles, and mornings with his friends at "Breakfast Club". During this time he devotedly cared for and assisted his sister and wife in their own battles with cancer. When possible he enjoyed spending time at the family ranch in Paso Robles.

George is survived by his two daughters Leigh Johnson (Lompoc) and Kelly Strupp (Paso Robles), his sons-in-law Ronnie Johnson and Kevin Strupp, his two adored grandchildren Jessica Johnson and Casey Strupp, his niece and nephew Tiffany and G Sousa, his respected in-laws Sheila (Dan) Gunter, Barbara Cabral, Chrissy Cabral and Melinda (Matt) Rapisardo. He also had numerous cousins and countless close friends.

George was preceded in death by his wife Andrea Taylor, his parents Mary and George Taylor and his sister Georgene Rieck.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests making a donation to a charity of your choice, or please consider making an appointment with a dermatologist for a brief exam to protect yourself from skin or melanoma cancer.

There will be a celebration of George's life on Friday, November 14, 2014, at 12 Noon at the Elks Lodge #2274, 905 E. Ocean Avenue in Lompoc.