Richard Emory Taylor, Jr., age 75, of Cornelia, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 12, 2026.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 23, 1951, Richard was a son of the late Richard Emory Taylor, Jr. and Elizabeth Jean Grubbs Taylor.

Richard was a hardworking and dedicated man who believed in the value of an honest day's work and the importance of providing for his family. He retired from the Ford Motor Company Parts Distribution Center following 32 years of faithful and dedicated service. Never one to sit idle, Richard later established and operated Taylor Grading/Bushhogging for several years, continuing his strong work ethic while serving others throughout the community.

An avid outdoorsman, Richard found great enjoyment in hunting, fishing, and spending time in God's beautiful creation. He was also a firearms enthusiast who took pride in his knowledge and skill of reloading his own ammunition. Richard was a devoted fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves, and over the years, he enjoyed coaching baseball, investing his time in young people and sharing his love for the game.

While Richard enjoyed many things throughout his life, nothing was more important to him than his faith in the Lord and the family God had blessed him with. He was a man of strong Christian convictions who believed that faith was not simply something to talk about, but something to live out each and every day. Richard possessed a generous and compassionate heart, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He held a special concern for the widows and elderly members of his church, often quietly giving of his time and abilities to make their lives a little easier. He never sought recognition for his kindness; helping others was simply a reflection of the man he was.

As a husband, father, and grandfather, Richard understood the lasting influence of a life well lived. He made it a priority to raise his sons in church, teaching them the importance of loving the Lord, standing firm in their convictions, being men of good character, and always choosing to do what was right, even when it was not the easiest path. More than anything, he wanted his family to see Christ reflected in the way he lived. His greatest desire was to leave behind not merely earthly possessions, but a lasting legacy of faith, integrity, kindness, and love.

Though his earthly journey has come to an end, the lessons Richard taught, the kindness he extended, and the example he set will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His family can find comfort in knowing that the faith he so faithfully lived by has now become sight, and he is at home with the Lord he loved and served.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his beloved son, United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Chad Emory Taylor.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Gwynn Rogers Taylor; son and daughter-in-law, Josh and Renee Taylor; daughter-in-law, Dianna Caudell Taylor; precious grandchildren, Noah Ray Taylor and Naomi Grace Taylor; brother and sister-in-law, John Robert and Cheri Taylor; sister, Leah Taylor; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.

A celebration of Richard's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Level Grove Baptist Church with Dr. Brian James & Rev. Kenneth McEntire officiating.

The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association by visiting https://donorservices.Alzheimer's Association

An online guest registry is available for the Taylor family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.