Earl F. Taylor, 81, a longtime resident of Harrisonburg, passed away on November 15, 2025, while visiting a close friend in Florida. His passing leaves a quiet space in the many lives he touched with his warmth, kindness, and steady presence.
Born on June 23, 1944, in Portsmouth, VA, Earl was the son of the late Benjamin F. and Blanche E. Taylor. He grew up in Portsmouth and later spent time in Franklin, VA, before ultimately making his home in Harrisonburg.
On September 4, 1971, he married Joan Bridgers, with whom he shared more than five decades of devotion and companionship until her passing in 2024. Their life together was filled with love, lasting friendships, and travel.
Earl is survived by his brothers, Calvin Taylor and David Taylor; his nephew John Taylor and wife Jill; a great-nephew, Benjamin Taylor; and two great-nieces, Hope Taylor and Ryan Taylor. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Margo Sisson and Priscilla Hedgepeth. His family—and all who knew him—will remember him for his generosity, humor, the genuine care he offered so freely, and his love of golf.
Earl spent many years in the banking industry, where he was respected for his professionalism and integrity. After retiring, he found joy on the golf course and was a proud member of Spotswood Country Club for more than 50 years. Community mattered deeply to him. He was a 52-year member of the Harrisonburg Elks Lodge, a charter member of the Rockingham Rotary, and a veteran of the Army National Guard.
Earl devoted much of his life to service. He volunteered with the Harrisonburg Free Clinic, served on the board of First Step, and helped with the community Thanksgiving meal through Grace Mennonite Fellowship for many years. For the last 23 years, he was a partner with The Early Katering Co., where he loved working events and chatting with clients. In recent years, Earl volunteered with the Lacey Spring Food Pantry, where he was cherished by fellow volunteers and played a key role in donation pickups. His kindness, reliability, and enthusiasm for helping others made him beloved in every place he served.
Earl lived a life marked by generosity and a sincere desire to make the world around him better. He helped countless people over the years, many in ways known only to them and to him. His family and friends will remember him not only for what he did, but for the heart with which he did it.
In honor of Earl’s legacy of service, especially his commitment to the food pantry, memorial contributions may be made to the Lacey Spring Food Pantry, 209 Lacey Spring Road., Rockingham, VA 22802.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11:00 am at The Barn at Klines Mill, 5379 Klines Mill Road, Linville, VA, 22834.
A luncheon will follow, featuring many of Earl’s favorites. All are welcome to stay and share “Earl stories” with each other. Please RSVP to [email protected] if you plan on staying for the lunch.
Online condolences & memories may be shared by visiting www.lindseyfuneralhomes.com.
