Deacon Howard Taylor Obituary

Deacon Howard Taylor, better known as Pat to all who knew and loved him, answered his Savior’s call to enter into eternal rest on Saturday, January 25, 2025. Resting peacefully at his home and surrounded by the family he endeared; he was ushered quietly and safely into the loving arms of God. He stepped out of mortality and stepped into immortality, experiencing the glory of God in all of its splendor.

Born in the Farris Chapel Community in Franklin County, Tennessee to the late Carrie Luvenia Gross Taylor and Elder Guy Rufus Taylor, Deacon Taylor was the eighth of 15 children. He was the ‘man in the middle.’ He was a 1962 graduate of Townsend High School. Because of an eye injury that left him legally blind, he also attended the Tennessee School for the Blind in Nashville, Tennessee. Here, he earned certificates in television and radio repair. He retired from TVA and Taylor’s Janitorial Service.

Having been blessed to marry his soul mate, best friend, and the love of his life, Dorothy Fitzpatrick, the Lord blessed them to share 60 years of marriage. Together, this family of two became a family of 22. Family was one of Deacon Taylor’s greatest joys and his greatest responsibility. His hobbies included hunting, gardening, fishing, walking, dancing, and teaching his children how to dance.

On March 4, 1979, Deacon Taylor was baptized in the body of Christ at Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist Church becoming an anchor within the congregation. Leading with a servant’s heart for many years, he was Chairman of the Deacons Board, taught the Adult Sunday School Class and Wednesday night Bible Study, sang in the choir and the Men’s Quartet, often referred to as the ‘Four Horseman.’ His exemplary teaching extended to the Friendship United Primitive Baptist Association where he taught in the School of Methods and during annual meetings. Deacon Taylor was a dedicated student of the Word and enjoyed sharing his gift of teaching wherever and whenever asked. Mt. Olive bestowed the honor of Deacon Emeritus status to him on June 24, 2018.

He is preceded in death by an infant son, Howard Taylor, Jr., and a daughter, LaQuita Taylor. Siblings who preceded Deacon Taylor in death were his brothers: Rufus, Carl, Theron, Walter, James, and Leonard; his sisters were Laura Mae, Anna Frances, and Margaret.

In addition to his beloved wife, Dorothy, his legacy will live through his children: Tony Taylor (Jimmie Cheryl), Reneé Wray (John), and Marcus Taylor, Sr. (Darla); grandchildren: Tavarus Taylor, Monteil Taylor, LaToya Taylor, Edwin (Brittany) Lane, Nicholas Taylor, Jordan Wray, Labeija Wray, Shardasia Algood, Marcus Taylor, Jr., Zhané Wray, and Nathaniel Taylor; and great-grandchildren: Antonio Taylor, Courtney Sommerville, and Kehli Stevens. The siblings are Juanita Vanzant, Doris Valentine (Rufus), Elder Edward Lee Taylor (Carlene), Bobby Taylor (Emma Jean), and Charles Taylor (Beverly); honorary brother, Bruce Alexander. A host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family, and special friends remain.

Visitation with family and friends will be from 11am-1pm on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Watson Funeral Home. Funeral Services will follow at 1:00 pm in the Roy B. Watson Chapel. Interment will be at Franklin Memorial Gardens.

Watson Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 405 Sharp Springs Road, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2345, www.watsonfhtn.com.