Obituary of Charles Taylor
HIS — STORY
Charles (Skeeter) Edward Taylor, Jr.
Charles Edward Taylor, Jr., was born January 20, 1939, to the late Charles Taylor, Sr. and Isabelle Onque Taylor.
Skeeter, as he was affectionately known, spent his elementary school years in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood school district. After the family moved to Rahway, Skeeter attended and graduated from Rahway High School. During his high school years, he played baseball and ran track. He was also a standout football player, playing both offense and defense, and became one of the first high school African American quarterbacks during his era.
After graduating from high school, Skeeter attended Friendship Junior College, Rock Hill, SC, on a football scholarship. He was elected class president and participated in the now infamous, “Jail, No Bail”, Civil Rights sit in at the McCrory’s lunch counter on January 31, 1961. He and 9 other protestors were arrested, found guilty, and sentenced to 30 days hard labor on the chain gang. Skeeter, being concerned about losing his scholarship, agreed to allow the NAACP to pay his fine and was subsequently released. On January 28, 2015, the 10 protestors had their convictions vacated by the State of South Carolina.
Skeeter played semi-pro football for many years with the Woodbridge Bears and the Plainfield Jersey Red Oaks, where he was known as the “Pass Thief”.
Skeeter was a lifetime member of Centennial Lodge #400, of the I.B.P.O.E. of W., where he held various offices including, Exalted Ruler, Past State President, Past Grand Exalted, and Grand District Deputy, just to name a few.
Skeeter retired from the Roselle Board of Education after many years of service. He also taught history & coached football at The Wardlaw-Hartridge School and Bordentown Military Institute.
Skeeter entered into eternal rest on February 11, 2021 after a lengthy illness.
He was preceded in death by sons, Kevin and Craig (Kippy); brothers: Stanley, Preston, Norman (Flip), and David; and one daughter-in-law, Toni.
Skeeter leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Claudette; daughters: Natalie & Kim; sons: Ivan, Anthoney (Portia), and Derrick; daughter-in-law, Donette; grandchildren: Marques, Jamil, Derrick, Anthony, Jasmine, Morgan, Derrick, Jr., Michaelea, Jalese, Brandy, Imani, Miracle, Destiny, Chavoynne, Nathaniel, DeMontre, and DeMone; 5 great-grandsons; 1 great-granddaughter; brothers: Cephus and Pierre; special friends: Dee Dee Steward, Margo Ford, Eddie Daniels, Connie Ross, Doretha Reid, Barbara Creese, and Elaine Natson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.
All funeral services are private
