Alfred E. Taylor

ALFRED “AL” TAYLOR

Alfred “Al” Taylor passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 2, 2016. He was 93 years old.

Al was born on September 5, 1922, in Long Beach, California. He lived most of his life in Long Beach and attended Poly High School. Al was a World War II veteran proudly serving in the US Navy aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Saratoga. After he was discharged from the Navy in 1946, Al entered into the construction trade as a roofer.

Al met the love of his life, Faye Payne, in 1947. Faye was working at the Long Beach City Hall Licensing Division when Al came in to apply for a Building and Roofing Permit. The two were married on August 2, 1951. Together they had four daughters, whom they loved and were very proud of.

After getting his General Contractor license, Al was hired by large restaurant developers and built Sam’s Seafood in Sunset Beach, Ports of Call in San Pedro, and Mr. C’s with the attached Outrigger Hotel across from Recreation Park in Long Beach. Soon after, he realized that he was best served by building for himself only, and had a full construction company with crew for numerous years.

Al drew up his own building plans and concentrated on the industrial area of the Westside of Long Beach, which was in great need of additional office and warehouse space, as well as buildings that were quality built, and not made of aluminum. Al built distinct concrete block masonry buildings, which he always painted with his trademark colors: silver and black.

Being a devoted member of the Westside PAC and the Westside Redevelopment Program for several years, Al was instrumental in bringing about stricter building codes, including requiring concrete paved parking, along with properties that were essentially more attractive. After sustaining numerous construction injuries and having both hips replaced twice, Al had to finally retire from building at 72 years old. He did, however, continue to go down to the Westside every day of the week, except for Sunday, where he continued to be a handyman for his rental units until early 2002.

Al was an exceptionally hard worker and an excellent provider for his family. While he was highly respected as a builder, he always remained humble and unpretentious. He was admired for his tenacity, determination, and precision. Punctuality was a must for Al, and he expected it of others. If the plan was to meet at 6am, you'd better be there by 5:55am.

Being comical was definitely one of Al's strengths. Once when a young electrician told Al he made a right turn too quickly and ended up driving on the sidewalk, Al's witty sense of humor kicked in. He special-ordered tee shirts for all the electrician's employees which advertised the electrical business on the front, and stated on the back of the shirt, "If you don't like the way I drive, stay off the sidewalk!"

An excellent swimmer and diver, Al thoroughly enjoyed swimming, and taught all four of his daughters how to swim. Al’s favorite dinners were always drenched in gravy. He also loved pastrami, BBQ ribs, and chicken legs, and enjoyed snacking on Cheetos.

At 79 years of age, Al accepted Jesus as his Savior and Lord. Al and Faye lived out their lives in their Lakewood home which Al built himself in 1973. For the last 4 years of Al’s life, he was cared for in his own home by two very compassionate caregivers, Joel Tagab and Ed Emeterio, who cared for and treated Al as if he were their own dad.

Al was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Faye, and his daughter, Darlene Taylor Jones.   Al is survived by his daughters, Linda, Lisa, and Diane, his sons-in-law Jerry Zins and Mark Jones, and his grandchildren Christina, Michelle, and Gregory.

Al will be missed by his family and numerous friends. We are so very grateful to God for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, and confident that Al is now resting in peace and reunited with his wife, Faye, and daughter, Darlene. Rest in peace, Daddy. We love you!