John H. Taylor

John was born February 8, 1938 in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. While still at a young age his family moved with him to Lorain, Ohio, where he met his sweetheart, Marilyn, who would become his wife on April 16, 1957. John joined the U.S. Armed Forces, where he became an E-4 specialist in the Army Security Agency, serving in Germany. After returning to civilian life, John began a long career in the construction industry in Ohio, and served as Exalted Ruler at Elks Lodge B.P.O.E #1301 in Lorain, Ohio 1970-1971. His career eventually took him to Knoxville, Tennessee in 1975, where he started several contracting businesses, including Taylor Plumbing Co., eventually adding home building and site development companies and others.

John and Marilyn raised four children together and established a family farm in 1977 in Farragut, giving them the opportunity to raise horses, cows, many cats and dogs, and to grow a large vegetable garden, which was (and still is) Marilyn's passion. Many who needed respite were welcomed in their home over their many years together.

John is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marilyn Jo (Romoser) Taylor; children Lynn (Joseph) Morgan, James (Martha) Taylor, Robin (Doug Mullins) Taylor, and John (Faith) Taylor; grandchildren Emily (Matthew) Russell, James Morgan, James (Jessica Budreau) Taylor Jr., Nicole (Thomas Smith) Taylor, Heather (Derek) Mumphrey, Ryan (Calista) Bolash, Charlotte Taylor, and Isabelle Taylor; greatgrandchildren Emma, Spencer, Eli, Samuel, Lucas, Sadie, Selah, and soon to be baby boy Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Preston Taylor and Rose (Lang) Taylor; brothers Thomas (Lorraine) Taylor, Jr., and William (Andrea) Taylor; sisters Norma Louise (Ralph) Anschuetz and Beverly (Don) Pandy.

A visitation will be held Monday, March 18, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Berry Highland Memorial, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee 37919, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. The Honorable Judge Eric Anschuetz (John's loving nephew) will officiate.

Family and friends can share condolences online at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com.