Dave Taylor

On Saturday, September 10th, 2022 David Franklin Taylor (Dave), beloved father and grandfather, went to be with his Heavenly Father. Dave was surrounded by his family at his home in Columbus, MS. He was born June 6th, 1936 in Charleston, West Virginia. Dave was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Renee, who he shared 64 years of marriage with.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at the “old” First Baptist Church of Columbus on Saturday, September 17th at 2:00 PM with chaplain Trea Miller officiating. Immediately following the service will be a Military Honors burial at Friendship Cemetery in Columbus. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

A life-long patriot, Dave served his country in the United States Air Force and retired after 20 years of service in Columbus, MS. He was a Vietnam Veteran and was stationed overseas in Japan and Germany over his career. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Columbus for over 40 years and served as Deacon, RA Leader, VBS Recreation Director, and volunteered in the nursery. Dave was also active in the Emmaus Community of North Mississippi and a member of the Magnolia Kiwanis Club where he served as president from 2005-2006.

Dave spearheaded the revitalization of Lee Park and in 2000 was recognized for his service to the community by the Chamber of Commerce, Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority, City of Columbus, and Town and Tower Club. Dave was well known in the community for his active lifestyle which saw him as a fixture at the Fitness Factor and on the Tombigbee River. He was an avid cyclist and runner.

The greatest honor of Dave’s life was being a father to his three girls and a grandfather to his seven grandchildren. Dave was known to his siblings as “Hoby”, and by his grandchildren as “Grandave”. He was extremely active in the lives of his grandchildren and had a playful nature that made him the life of the party. Dave leaves a great legacy and will be sincerely missed by all that knew and loved him.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Clara Mildred High Taylor and Early Jennings Taylor; four brothers and one sister. He is survived by his three daughters: Tammy Livingston of Baltimore, MD; Jody Peters of Columbus, MS; and Jennifer Schaffhauser (John) of Madison, MS. Sisters Jean Taylor Hawley of NC. and Judy Taylor Connelly of VA; sister-in-laws Jeanette Taylor of WV and Sandy Taylor Hritz of NC.

He leaves behind seven grandchildren: David Randle (Emily) of Madison, MS; Lacey Livingston Houston (Chase) of Baltimore, MD; Gracie Schaffhauser Chesnut (Scott) of Madison, MS; Leah Peters of Columbus, MS; John Taylor Schaffhauser (Taylor) of Madison, MS; Lorianna Livingston Billington (Ross) of St. Augustine, FL; and Samuel Livingston of Canton, MS. He also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren.

The family would like to give the greatest of thanks to Legacy Hospice: Charlene, Barbara, Karen, and Trea. As well as his wonderful caregivers: Letha, Dorothy, Amy, Brenda, Valerie, and Bianca.

Serving as pallbearers: Johnny Peters, John Schaffhauser, Sam Livingston, David Randle, John Taylor Schaffhauser, and Samuel Livingston.

Honorary Pallbearers: Clay Terrell, Terry Ford, David Snoddy, Scott Chesnut, Chase Houston, Ross Billington and Dr. John Stanback.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 829, Columbus, MS 39703

Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society, 50 Airline Rd, Columbus, MS 39702

Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675, Or woundedwarriorproject.org