Jeff Taylor, 63, of Knoxville, passed away at home on June 27, 2024, after a brief illness. Jeff was a fun-loving, kind soul with a smile and laugh that were contagious. He had the gift of instantly connecting with people and worked to continue fostering those relationships. His cousin, Julie Trejo, said it best – “It is such a small world if you knew Jeff Taylor”.
Jeff was a proud and devoted graduate of Jacksonville State University, where his parents and Aunt Ellie also attended. He was a scholarship track athlete and continued to be an active member of the Delta Epsilon Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity throughout his life. Jeff had careers in Operations and Sales, but his favorite role was that of Football and Track Coach. He loved boating, fishing, college sports, music (especially Yacht Rock), performing in his daughter Erika’s TikTok videos, and spending time with Stephanie, Erika, and their Labradoodles.
Jeff was preceded in death by grandparents Frank and Elizabeth Emberson of Ringgold, GA and Os and Estelle Taylor of Douglasville, Ga.
Jeff leaves behind a legacy of love with his wife of 28 years, Stephanie; daughter, Erika; parents, Norman and Elaine Taylor of Chattanooga; sister, Amy Taylor of Ringgold; niece, Megan Glisson (Andy) of Ringgold; nephew, James Gaither of Chattanooga; great-niece, Lilly Glisson and great-nephew, Sam Glisson; favorite aunt, Eleanor Williamson (Darrell) of Commerce, Ga.; loved cousins; cherished friends; fraternity brothers; and treasured pets, Chevy and Stella.
The family is celebrating Jeff’s life at Calhoun’s on The River (400 Neyland Drive, Knoxville) on Saturday, July 6, at 11 a.m.. Attendees are encouraged to wear Jacksonville State (or their favorite college team’s) attire or the color red.
The family would like to thank Jeff’s healthcare teams at TN Cancer Specialists and UTMC’s Cancer Institute. A very special thank you to Dr. Monica Crane and her team at Genesis Neuroscience clinic for their care and support.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in honor of Jeff to the Tennessee Memory Disorders Foundation at tmdf.org. The foundation supports clinical research and internship programs at Genesis Neuroscience Clinic as well as scholarship programs for medical students.