Richard L. “Papa” Taylor, 66, of Chattanooga, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2016.
He was born in Chattanooga, on June 21, 1950, the son of Wilburn and Loretta Williams Taylor. He was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga. He graduated from Tyner High School where he played football and had the nickname “Tank” Taylor. He was also a lifelong musician. Richard served our country in the U.S. Army. He was retired from IBEW #175 after 23 years of service. He was an avid outdoorsman. He was a loving husband, father, Papa and brother.
He was preceded in death by his father, Wilburn Glenn Taylor.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Taylor; service dog, Biscuit; son, Robert (Emily) Taylor; daughter, Kathy “Kat” (Chris) Miller; five grandchildren, Justin Miller, Xacharias Oliver, Xoe Oliver, Christopher Taylor and Fiona Taylor; mother, Grace Taylor; and brothers, David (Nancy) Taylor, Bill (Loni) Taylor, Harry (Glenda) Taylor and Frank (Brenda) Taylor.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m.on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Southeast Tennessee Veterans Coalition, 1 Siskin Plaza, Chattanooga, TN 37403, Attn: Mickey McCamish.
The family will receive friends from 4-8 pm, Tuesday, October 18 at Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road, who has charge of the arrangements.