Dr. Robert Lee Taylor, 57, of Hong Kong, formerly of Scioto County, died Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010, after a lengthy illness.

He was born April 1, 1953, in Portsmouth, a son of Marilyn Irene Johnson Taylor of Lucasville and the late Carlos Lee Taylor.

He is also survived by his wife Dr. Sheung-Ping Lai, whom he married Aug. 18, 1994, in Columbus; one brother Phillip Ray (Cheryl) Taylor of Portsmouth; one sister, Carla (Mark) Emmons of Lucasville; four nephews Chris, Gregg and Brian Taylor, Nathaniel McGlone; and aunt Gladys Lynd.

Dr. Taylor was a 1971 Clay High School graduate, earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Morehead State University; a Master of Arts and Ph.D from the Ohio State University. Dr. Taylor was an accomplished jazz pianist with many years of experience in professional musical performances and recording including a U.S. tour with the late Marvin Gaye and Motown Productions in 1973-74.

Dr. Taylor published articles, taught, and gave lectures all over the world including the Ohio State University, Beijing, China, Hong Kong, Kathmandu, Nepal, and Moscow, Russia.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, in the Howland Recital Hall at the Vern Riffe Center for the Performing Arts, Shawnee State University with his cousin, Larry Brisker officiating. Interment will take place at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends in the Howland Recital Hall from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. before the memorial service.

Arrangements are under the direction of McKinley Funeral Home in Lucasville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Cancer Society.