Clifton Gordon "Sunshine" Taylor, Jr., 78, of Crisfield, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 27, 2015. He spent his final moments in the arms of his loving, devoted wife.

Born March 21, 1937 in Daughertytown, Crisfield, MD, he was a son of the late Clifton Gordon Taylor, Sr., and Mary Ann Wilson Taylor.

Sunshine was a life-long resident of Crisfield and a devoted member of the Crisfield Church of God, at which he taught Sunday school, operated a successful bus ministry/outreach program, and served as a board member for 48 years. God called him to the ministry on December 13, 1969 to teach God's word. Teaching the adult Sunday School Class at the Crisfield Church of God quickly became his passion.

His first job was at Star Baking Company where he worked from 1950 until it burned down in 1969. Afterwards, he worked for Delmarva Oil until he bought his own rig and became an independent truck driver. He sold his rig in 1985 and finished his career working as an oil barge/tanker driver for Hess Amada Oil.

Sunshine served in the United States Navy for four years on the USS Macon and in the National Guard for 15+ years. He was proud of his years serving his country. His hobbies included cutting grass for the elderly and his church family, visiting the widows and widowers, and those who were unable to attend church on Sundays due to their health. He cherished his time with his Brother-in-Christ, Chick Payne, and prayer meetings on Thursday Mornings. He also enjoyed tinkering with his electronics and using them to keep in touch with his family. His main desire in life was to be pleasing to the Lord.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, his childhood sweetheart, Shirley Juanita Chesser Taylor, also of Crisfield; his brother, Everett Taylor of Westover; seven children, Clifton "Sunshine" Taylor III and Fern of Marion, MD, Paula K. Green and Jeff of Marion, MD, Gordon R. Taylor and Cindy of Marion, MD, Suellen Taylor and Michael of Crisfield, MD, Shirl Carmine and Jesse of Crisfield, MD, Marcia Taylor Johnson and Russell of Rehobeth, MD, and Lana McCready of Crisfield, MD. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Clifton Taylor IV, Lauren Green, Michael Taylor, Amanda Taylor, Jessica Carmine Workman, Kristen Johnson Wilhelm, Kasie Johnson, Makenzie McCready, Howie Harris; two great-grandchildren, Silas Workman and Mattie Lyn Wilhelm; and many special nieces and nephews. His aunt, Helen Justice of Princess Anne, MD, also survives him.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Charles Taylor; and four sisters, Betty Mason, Patsy Diggs, Peggy Abbott, and infant Ramona Taylor; two grandchildren, Crystal Bozman and Candace Green; and two great-grandchildren, John Lankford Taylor and Ian Workman.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 31, 2015 at 4 PM at the Crisfield Church of God where a viewing will be from 2-4. The Reverends Harvey Tyler, Billy Balderson, Jr., and Raymond Crowley will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Sunnyridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crisfield Church of God Sunday School ministry, 134 Maryland Avenue, Crisfield, MD 21817.

Arrangements are in the care of Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home. To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com.