Samuel Ryan Taylor

Samuel Ryan Taylor, affectionately known as Sam or Sammy T, passed away unexpectedly on Mon, August 31, 2026. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents - Jack and Sara DeArmitt - and his paternal grandparents - Clarence and Ora Taylor.

He is survived by his mother Ruth, his brothers Jake and Ben, his father Clarence (“Butch”), and his wife Katie, who is expecting the birth of their daughter. Sam was also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins whom he loved deeply.

Sam was born in Richmond, VA where he attended elementary-high school in Chesterfield County. He was a graduate of Monacan High School’s Center for the Humanities, and he later graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Media Arts and Design. The last ten years of his professional career were spent at Virginia Information Technologies Agency, where he recently took on a new role in the Business Readiness Department. Up until his passing, Sam, his wife Katie, and their two dogs Lucy and Nala, resided together in Henrico, VA, building their life in their first home together.

Sam was a lover of music; whether that be performing (he was a show-stopper in karaoke!), listening, or creating, music was a part of Sam’s everyday life. Alongside running, biking, and walking his two dogs, you could often find Sam in nature enjoying the beauty surrounding him. While outside it wasn’t rare to find Sam with his camera taking pictures - documenting the world and moments around him. When Sam had the opportunity, which he often did, he would make food for his loved ones, or even for people who were in need of comfort. It was his love language. A life-long lover of baseball, Sam recently had the chance to recapture his love for the sport by joining his company’s softball team as their shortstop (a lefty shortstop, no less). He was also a faithful supporter of whatever miserable product Washington put on the football field year in and year out. Perhaps it was this disappointing fandom that drove him to help facilitate the family fantasy football league, which - it has been unanimously decided - will be rigged this year to give his team the championship. In recent years, Sam had also become a patient and adept gardener.

The family will receive friends from 3-7pm on Monday, September 21st at Woody’s Funeral Home for a visitation. 1020 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, VA 23113.

A mass will be held in honor of Sam on Tuesday, September 22nd at Church of the Epiphany at 1pm. 11000 Smoketree Drive, North Chesterfield, VA, 23236.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimers Association.

The family would like to thank Henrico Doctor’s Hospital, the Henrico County Police Dept., Woody’s funeral home, a good samaritan, and the innumerable family and friends whose prayers and support have propped us up in this time.