Terry William Taylor

Terry was born August 21, 1934 to Rosalie and Merrell Taylor in Atlanta, GA. He developed lifelong friendships with his childhood companions, Bob and Bill.

He graduated from Duke University (B.S., 1956), and then Johns Hopkins Medical School, (M.D., 1960).

It was at Hopkins that he met the love of his life, Julia Ann Taylor (née Frey). Terry always said that asking Julia out was the best decision he had ever made, and he frequently recounted the stories of their meeting and first dates. Terry and Julia were married in 1960. She passed away only 20 days before him.

After Hopkins, Terry completed an internship at Vanderbilt where their first daughter, Elizabeth, joined the family. Shortly after, Terry began residency in psychiatry at NC State, where their second daughter, Marie, was born.

After receiving a draft notice during the Vietnam War, Terry dreaded the thought of separation from his family. Investigating options with the different services, he secured a position as a psychiatrist at Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK, which allowed the family to live together. While in Alaska, their third daughter, Victoria, arrived. Terry completed his active service and served in the Air Force Reserve for several years, eventually rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Finding the practice of psychiatry was not for him, he completed a second residency at the University of Maryland in ophthalmology. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Atlanta, and Terry established his medical practice. He was a dedicated eye surgeon serving patients on the north side of Atlanta for 39 years.

Terry’s service to his country was a source of enormous pride, second only to the family he had built with Julia. Providing for his family was a high priority for him: he enjoyed anticipating needs and was a frequent gift giver.

His children and grandchildren remember his love of animals, art, and mechanical contraptions. He loved symphonies, discussing literature, and tinkering in his wood shop. A man of many enthusiasms, he collected anything he had an interest in. He was surrounded by books, symphonies, and art, including a collection of Japanese woodblock prints.

His grandchildren remember him as the man who got them up from naps, enthusiastically told them stories, and delighted in sending gifts. He taught them skills they value to this day and was interested in their classes and careers, often offering helpful advice. He was, in a word, a character.

Terry was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Margaret Nielsen, and his wife of 65 years, Julia. He is survived by his three daughters and their husbands: Elizabeth (Steve) Nielsen of North Palm Beach, FL; Rie (Byron) Harris of Charlottesville, VA; and Victoria (Buddy) Eades of Atlanta, GA. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Eric Nielsen (Elyse, Eleanor, and Ethan), Tim Nielsen (Katie, Julia, and Jack), Zoë Bayer (Windsor Jones), AK Bayer, Ben Harris, and Bella Harris.

The Taylor family wishes to express our sincerest gratitude to the staff at Trustbridge Hospice for their support and compassionate care.

The family will have a private graveside service at Arlington Memorial Gardens in Sandy Springs.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Intown Community Church, 2059 Lavista Rd N, Atlanta, GA 30329.

A reception will take place at the church following the memorial service.