Obituary - Thomas Ramsay Taylor Jr.

Thomas Ramsay Taylor, Jr., born on June 1, 1952, in Baltimore, Maryland, passed away on August 11, 2025, at his residence in Henrico, Virginia, at the age of 73.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Ramsay Taylor and Florence Barclay (née Gish) Taylor. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna Blankenship Taylor; his children, Kaitlin Harpold (Christopher), Owen Taylor, and Victoria Lavia (Joseph); and his dear sister, Laura Pawlak (Daniel). He is also remembered by his nephew, Stephen Pawlak (Emily); mother-in-law, Evon (née Owen) Blankenship; sisters-in-law, Brenda Murphy, Sherra Bowman (Giles), Sandra  Blankenship (Wanda), and Pamela Gartrell (James); as well as many nieces and nephews.

A lifelong learner with a deep passion for literature, Tom earned his undergraduate degree from Hamilton College in Ithaca, New York, and a graduate degree in English Literature from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. An avid reader with a particular fondness for Shakespeare, he often drew insightful connections between Elizabethan drama and the complexities of academic leadership. For Tom, a well-chosen song lyric or movie quote could illuminate nearly any situation.

Tom dedicated more than four decades to advancing higher education across the United States. His career began in financial aid and culminated as a nationally respected enrollment consultant. From 1977 to 2005, he served at UMBC in Baltimore, where he played a pivotal role in expanding access for historically marginalized populations and helped establish the university as a destination for talented students. In 2005, he was appointed Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. During his tenure through 2014, the university experienced some of its most diverse and academically strong incoming classes. His leadership elevated Ball State’s national profile through strategic marketing and communications.

Despite living in Indiana during this time, Tom remained a loyal fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens. A photograph of the Mayflower moving truck that infamously relocated the Colts from Baltimore remained on his desk—a quiet but firm reminder of his enduring connection to home.

From 2015 to 2023, Tom served as a Senior Consultant and Principal with Royall and Company (later EAB) in Richmond. There, he advised institutions across 49 states—ranging from elite private colleges to regional public universities and historically Black colleges and universities—on enrollment strategies. Colleagues who worked closely with Tom knew him as both mentor and friend. He set high standards for excellence while offering steady guidance and support to those around him.

Outside of work, Tom loved being in and on the water. He grew up sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and often dreamed of sailing while landlocked in Indiana. A skilled woodworker and handyman, he built furniture for his family, an expansive deck measuring the distance from pitcher’s mound to home plate, and even an extensive, multi-level pier. In retirement, he embraced travel with Donna—hiking in Nova Scotia, savoring cuisine in Spain, and riding camels in Morocco—and discovered a new creative outlet through pottery.

Tom will be remembered for his sharp wit, tireless work ethic, love of storytelling, and above all else, his kindness. His life was marked by professional distinction and heartfelt devotion to those he loved. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and lasting impact on all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life service will be held, in Tom’s honor,  on Saturday, September 13, 2025, between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. with a formal service from 2:00 p.m. to 2.30 p.m.at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis, 333 Dubois Rd., Annapolis, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Tom’s memory, to either the Visual Arts Center of Richmond  Attn: Matt Blakley, 1812 West Main Street, Richmond, VA 23220, or online at visarts.org/donate; or to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation at 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403 or cbf.org/memorial.