By Staff
Ray McKeithanGeneral Manager
You wouldn’t think it possible to be brusque and genteel at the same time; somehow he pulled it off.
Of course, I refer to Dr. David Thomas Tayloe Sr., who passed away a week ago today. “Dr. Dave,” as he was known far and wide, was beloved by many and respected by all. He was a caring pediatrician, devout Christian and devoted family man.
Hundreds of mourners packed St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Monday for his memorial service. Many arrived an hour early and found a church already filled to capacity — standing room only. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Clifton Daniel III, who at various stages of life was Dr. Dave’s patient and friend, gave the homily. He likened the cramped quarters in the sanctuary to the doctor’s tiny waiting room. Regardless of the number of children needing medical care, he remembered, “Dr. Dave always worked them in.”
The Tayloe family has been the first family of Beaufort County medicine for generations. I’m sure he wouldn’t appreciate the comparison, but Dr. Dave was as close to Beaufort County royalty as can be imagined. The Tayloe line of doctors dates to the Civil War and continues today with his son, Dr. David Tayloe Jr., who is the immediate past president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and two grandchildren who are also pediatricians.
Dr. Dave’s influence extended far beyond the walls of his practice. He is remembered fondly in the many “Dr. Dave stories” that have long been a part of local lore; no exaggeration required. I’ve heard many of them myself. My usual response to a classic Dr. Dave tale: “Did he … (chuckle) … REALLY … (snicker) … say that? … (belly laugh)”
You see, Dr. Dave was a straightforward, unapologetic, outspoken, tell-you-what-he-thinks, full voice of a man. The kind of man I’d like to be, but am not. He delivered his opinions with volume and conviction, lest there be any confusion about his meaning. He possessed a unique speaking style that resonated with an inflection and tone unique to just a few local men of his generation.
I suspect those of you who knew him — and that’s pretty much everyone — can hear his voice in your head right now. I smile and think of a typical Dr. Dave greeting offered with a firm handshake, a big smile and a twinkle in his eye, “Well, Ray … how the HELL are you?!”
His gruff-and-tough persona couldn’t disguise the gentle, caring person who resided within. Countless stories abound of his tireless work habits and loving nature extended to patients, co-workers and friends. As Kathy Lynch Simpson, a former patient and co-worker, recently told the Daily News, “He showed his affection by ‘hollering’ at you … I loved him dearly and I always knew that he loved me.”
No doubt his determination and grit helped him to cope with the tragic loss of parents and a brother at a young age. Pauline McLean — my beautiful wife’s grandmother, and his aunt — helped raise Dr. Dave. Having had the honor and privilege of knowing them both; it is clear to me that honesty, forthrightness and integrity are family traits.
Another aunt, Elizabeth Hoffler, and his uncle, Dr. John Cotton Tayloe also helped with the upbringing of the man who would earn the trust and admiration of the community he served.
This weekend, Dr. Dave’s large, extended family will gather to celebrate the life of its beloved patriarch and the birth of the nation he served as a U.S. Navy medical officer — and rightly so. He loved the annual gatherings at his river house and would be proud to know the family is carrying on the tradition.
No doubt, they’ll watch the huge fireworks display over the water and think of Dr. Dave — the loud barrage reminding them of the resounding voice that will forever remain in their hearts.
Ray McKeithan is associate publisher of the Washington Daily News. His e-mail address: ray@wdnweb.com