Steven Wayne Kaylor's Obituary
Steven Wayne Kaylor, 64, of Floyd, Virginia, died in Clearwater on March 25, 2019, after courageously battling cancer.
Born in Winter Haven, Florida, Steven was the son of Dungan E. and Betty W. Kaylor, who predeceased him. He leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Nancy (Singer), and his son, the Hon. Sherwood “Flip” Coleman, his daughter-in-law Jennifer, and his beloved granddaughters Madeline and Ellen.
Steven achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, an honor that he helped his son achieve, which helped shape the gentle humility, unshakable moral integrity, and quiet strength with which he lived his life. After graduating from the University of Florida, Steven began his journalism career as a cub reporter at the Clearwater Sun, where he and Nancy met. From there, he spent the 40-year span of his award-winning newspaper career at the Evening Independent, the Tampa Tribune, the Bristol Herald Courier and the Danville Register and Bee, where he retired as publisher in 2016. He was passionate about good journalism and considered himself privileged to work with and mentor some of the best in the business. After retiring, he and Nancy moved to Floyd in the mountains of southwestern Virginia. They built a home along the Laurel Fork near the Blue Ridge Parkway where he had great memories of camping as a boy and recognized the hand of God in the beautiful creation around him.
Steven had a life-long love of learning and coupled it with a gift for encouraging others, whether passing along orchid-growing tips, planting the seeds of curiosity in his granddaughters or sharing his wonder at his storied bees, which have been graciously adopted by a trusted friend and neighbor.
Steven was active in service and gave freely of his time as a member of, and leader in, a number of community organizations wherever he called home. At the time of his death, he was president of the Floyd Chamber of Commerce where he was helping launch a leadership training program. He was also a member of the New River Valley Community College Board, Rotary, and the New River Valley Beekeepers Association. In Danville, Va., Steven served as chair of the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce, the Boys and Girls Club and the United Way. He was a member of the Future of the Piedmont, the Olde Dominion Agricultural Board and volunteered with Troop 402 of the Boy Scouts of America in Clearwater.
He is survived by his sister Barbara (Larry) Schulz of Atlanta, and his brothers David E. Kaylor (Cathy) of Temple Terrace, FL, and L. Mark Kaylor, of Uzes, France, and two special sisters-in-law Jean Singer of Largo, FL and Kay Kaylor of Vero Beach, FL. His oldest brother John D. Kaylor, predeceased him, as did his beloved chocolate lab, Lawton. He leaves behind a community of friends gathered along the way who will miss hearing his familiar “Hey Man” greeting, and his unfailing loyalty. Steven also leaves behind nieces and nephews John, David and Matthew Kaylor, Deborah Truehart, Carrie and Benjamin Kaylor, Daniel Schulz, Allison Kaylor Fox, MaryBeth Kaylor Corwith and L. Mark Kaylor, Jr.
A gathering to remember Steven is planned for June at the family’s home in Floyd. In recognition of the priority he placed on integrity and accountability, and his lifelong efforts to help journalists fulfill their potential, the family suggests memorial contributions in his name to ProPublica at ProPublica.org which supports the vital journalism that holds those in power accountable.
What’s your fondest memory of Steven?
What’s a lesson you learned from Steven?
Share a story where Steven's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Steven you’ll never forget.
How did Steven make you smile?