Verl Doyle Taylor
Verl Doyle Taylor, 81, of East Ridge, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025.
Verl’s life began in Beaver, Ok., on July 13, 1943. Although he lived his younger years in the small town of Laverne, Ok., his life would carry him to locations all over the world such as Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala, Italy, Japan, England, France, and much of his beloved USA. He would proceed to craft a story that brimmed with a wide array of occupations, residences, travels, and people.
For Verl, every chapter was an adventure, ones that were meticulously thought out then acted upon. His greatest loves were his cherished wife of 63 years, family, faith, church, flying planes (or being anywhere in close proximity to them), and striking up conversations with anyone whom he met along the way.
His work life over the years added vibrant chapters to his story as well and consisted of a variety of occupations which included: working with the Atomic Energy Commission; active military service with the Air Force; a 10-year term with the Air Force Reserves out of Dobbins Air Force Base; missionary work through Baptist International Missions, Inc.; airport management of the Marion County Airport in Jasper, Tn.; years of freelance piloting; airport screening with the TSA at the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport. He also volunteered many hours of his life with various church programs, the Airport Volunteer Ambassador program at the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, and giving blood with the American Red Cross.
His latest chapter consisted of a 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer to which he valiantly fought. During that time, he often stated that God doesn’t make mistakes. This faith in his Savior led him to finish that fight on Palm Sunday as he rested peacefully at home surrounded by family. On that beautiful spring evening he began the greatest and final chapter of them all, spending an eternity with Jesus in heaven.
Verl was preceded in death by his parents, Silas and Blanche Taylor; his son, Trace Taylor; and his siblings, Alvin Taylor and Eunice (Terry) Aldrich.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Sandra Taylor; his children, Trent (Nancy) Taylor, Tania (Greg) Meek and daughter-in-law, Cay Taylor; his nine grandchildren - Ashley, Jeremy, Alisha, Logan, Branson, and Alyssa Taylor, Tessa and Andrew Meek; seven great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Condolences can be shared with the Taylor family at
www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chattanooga Rescue Mission.
Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, at Stanley Heights Baptist Church, 1512 McBrien Road, East Ridge, Tn. 37412. A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. prior to the service on Tuesday.
Interment will follow in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.
Arrangements made by the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, Rossville.