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Keith Taylor Obituary
Keith grew up in New Kent County, Va., and was a 2001 graduate of New Kent County High School. In 2005, he graduated from Radford University in Radford, Va., with a degree in Criminal Justice Administration. Keith had an intense love and pride for his country and as a result decided to follow in his older brother's footsteps by joining the United States Marine Corps. The last three years of his military career were spent at Ft. Knox, Ky.
A member of the Boy Scouts of America, Keith achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was a member of the Order of the Arrow, Nawakwa Lodge. Most recently he was serving as the Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 116, in Louisville, Ky.
Keith was a member of Bibleway Fellowship Church in Newport News, Va. He trusted God and accepted His direction in his life. He never met a stranger, making good friends wherever he went. He also loved a good debate and usually had to have the last word. Keith had recently been selected for employment by the York County Sheriff's Department, upon his upcoming Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corps.
Keith was fiercely devoted to his family and sometimes made some tough decisions that he didn't really want to make. But he always put family first.
His loving memory lives on through the love of his life, wife, Crystal, his kindergarten sweetheart; parents, Mike and Deborah; brother, Michael and wife, Shannon; nephew, Edward James "E.J.;" paternal grandfather, G.E. Taylor Jr.; many, many friends, extended family and others he considered family.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Harold and Estella Williams; paternal grandmother, Norma Taylor; and paternal great-grandmother, Jessie Taylor.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, Downtown Hampton. Due to the weather, the funeral service date has been changed and will be conducted at 11a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, at Liberty Baptist Church, with interment to follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.
At the request of Keith and Crystal, any monetary contribution will be placed in an education fund for their nephew, EJ Taylor.
Semper Fidelis View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Keith Taylor
November 27, 2009
Crystal and Taylor Family. Im sorry to here the loss of your husband and son. My prayers are with you as you mourn your loss. I had the pleasure of going to PA school with Keith as well as working with him at Fort Knox, KY. Keith was an honorable man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Semper Fidelis
Shaun Cumston
Denise Puckett
November 19, 2009
Crystal and all of the Taylor Family,
On behalf of Troop 115, Louisville KY please accept our deepest condolences.
Keith will be missed by the scouts and adults alike.
Jason and Cathy Slusher
November 19, 2009
Mike and Debbie,
We cannot tell you how sorry we are about the sudden passing of Keith. We certainly do not understand why things happen but thankfully he is with the Father and you will see him again. I pray for the peace that only God can give you during this time.
Our deepest sympathy,
November 19, 2009
Semper Fi Marine
You are in a better place.
May God Bless your family
with profound respect
LTC Dale Cremisio US Army Retired
Iraq and Afghanistan vet.
November 17, 2009
Keith was a wonderful student; always engaged and ready to participate in class discussion. He was a true leader and he will be missed. My deepest sympathies to the entire family and his many friends.
Dr. Tod Burke
Department of Criminal Justice
Radford University
Mary Atwell
November 17, 2009
On behalf of the Criminal Justice department at Radford University, I would like to offer our sympathy to Keith's family. We are so sorry for your loss. Especially we share your grief at the passing of one so young. Mary W. Atwell, Department Chair.
Debbie and Kerman Ward
November 17, 2009
Mike, Debbie and family,
Know that out thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Remember that Keith is truly an angel in God's arms at this very moment. He will be there waiting for you when it is time for you to leave this world. I pray that God will bring peace to your heart. If there is anything we can do please give us a call.
With love and hugs,
Anna Hockaday
November 16, 2009
Mike, Debbie, and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of Keith. Even as you grieve, rejoice in knowing he is with his Lord in Heaven.
Vicky Lardydell
November 16, 2009
Crystal & The Taylor Family,
It was indeed my priviledge and honor to have been able to work with Keith. It saddens my heart that Keith is no longer with us but take comfort that he is well taken care of. My prayers are for you and your family. God Bless!
Will Bowers
November 15, 2009
I was saddened to hear of the loss of Keith. My deepest sympathies to all of his family.
November 14, 2009
Crystal,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Linwood and Lisa Young
November 14, 2009
Trooper Taylor, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your memories bring all of you comfort during your time of grief.
God Bless
Clem Bess and Dee Smaw
5th Division Communications Center
Mindy Davenport
November 14, 2009
I know there are no words to ease your pain but my thoughts and prayers are with you. I will be here to help you if you need me.
November 13, 2009
Mike and Deb, Mike and Shannon, and Crystal,
We are praying that God will give you the strength to get through this, and that He will fill you with His peace.
We only knew Keith a short time, but it was obvious he was special; always smiling, always polite and always interested in our brief encounters. When he said "Hi, how are you?", it wasn't just a typical greeting. He really wanted to know. He will surely be missed by all who knew him.
Fred and Alice MacKenzie
Sonya Jackman
November 13, 2009
Crystal,
I can't think of the words that would help to ease your pain and loss. Just know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Dan Wilbert
November 13, 2009
-taking a knee. For a fallen Marine, Scout Leader and young son.
I pray for your strength through these dark times. Please know I would do anything to help.
With my sincere respects and sympathy,
Dan Wilbert
Jonathan & Heather Trexler
November 13, 2009
We are keeping you in our Prayers in this difficult time. Remember to take heart in the fact that we will see Keith again very soon. This is not a goodbye. If you need anything, We are always here for you.
November 13, 2009
To the Taylor Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Keith at S&K in Williamsburg for about 2 years. He always had a smile and a great sense of humor. We talked about a lot of topics and very often gave me that "Yes, Mom" answer when we disagreed on a subject. My heart aches for your loss, and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you celebrate the beautiful spirit that lived in Keith. May God bless you all.
Deborah Krieger
Kyle Woodruff
November 13, 2009
The Taylor Family,
You all know how close Keith and I were and high I thought of him. He was not only my best friend, but my brother. I am going to miss him tremendously.It was just only a month ago we were all on the beach and he was my best man. I am soo sorry this had to happen. If you all need anything please call. Love you all
November 13, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to you all in the loss of your son. We are keeping you in our prayers.
~Merritt and Patsy Belew
Scottsville, Va 24590
jim whitney
November 13, 2009
Dear Deb and Mike,
Just wanted to let you know that you were in my heart and in my prayers.I hope we will see each other very soon.
Love,
Jim
Becky Battershell
November 13, 2009
Dear Crystal, Mike, Debbie, Mike and Shannon,
Keith was a very special young man who lived his life with passion. Lynn and I will always remember our years with him in the youth group with fondness. He was special to us.
We are praying for all of you at this time of loss of a dedicated husband, son, brother and uncle. May God wrap His arms of comfort around you until you are reunited with him in heaven.
Becky Battershell
November 13, 2009
I am very sorry for your loss. Keith was a great guy. You are all in my prayers.
SGT BALDWIN
U.S. MARINE CORPS DETACHMENT
FORT KNOX, KY
Mama Jeanand Bob Watson
November 12, 2009
My heart aches for all of you at this time of loss. My last memory of Keith was at Harvey's funeral. He gave me that big smile and a hug that made me feel so special. He truly was a wonderful young man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lynn and Becky Battershell
November 12, 2009
Dear Taylor Family,
All of you are in our daily prayers and thoughts. Keith always brought such joy and fun to our Hampton youth group. I have very fond memories of time spent talking with Keith. We pray for God's strength and healing to surround all of you. God Bless.
Freddie & Karen White
November 12, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to you all in the loss of your son. We are keeping you in our prayers.
November 12, 2009
Mike,Deb and Family
Our hearts are broken for all of you. We are keeping you in prayer. I remember Keith and Crystal's wedding day and the message taped on the bottom of his shoes from his beloved brother.I smile everytime i think of it. We love you all. Brad, Lisa and Logan Morris (Grottoes, Va)
Loraine and Clifford Baxter
November 12, 2009
We are so sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your son Keith. He was always such a nice young man and such an encouragement to us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Crystal daily. May the Lord give you the extra strength you need during this sad time.
November 12, 2009
Dear Taylor Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all in the loss of a great soul. He protected us, now let the Angels protect him. Our deepest Prayers,
Kenny and Susan Lawson
Derek DeSensi
November 12, 2009
To the Taylor family, I would like to express my condolences to you for the loss of such a great person. Cpl Taylor was a great american. I always knew him as a Marine who would always do the right thing, whether he was told to or not. He was a friend of mine and will be missed.
Julie Guest-Fudala
November 12, 2009
Crystal and the Taylor Family,
I am so sorry for your loss! Words fail in situations such as this, but know you are being thought of and prayed for immensely! We will see him again but until then I pray that God gives you a comfort that only He could provide! Love you all!
Billy Davidson
November 12, 2009
Dear Taylor Family,
Please accept my condolences on the death of your son, brother, and husband Keith. His sudden death is tragic and heartbreaking. We all wish we could undo what happened and bring him back as his warm, loyal, devoted, and patriotic self. The world is a lesser place without him in it. He was an exceptional friend and co-worker who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
I wish I had words that could make your pain less. But I wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you grieve.
In sympathy,
1stSgt Billy Davidson
James Hastings
November 12, 2009
Crystal and Family,
I am grateful for the time I spent with Keith talking, laughing, discussing, joking, and generally solving all of the world’s problems to the best of our ability. His passing leaves a conflict of emotions, but I find peace in the fact that I was lucky enough to have called him my friend. My heartfelt condolences go out to all of you.
Susie (Rohling) Potter
November 12, 2009
Mike and Debbie, I was deeply saddened to hear about Keith's unexpected passing. I hesitate to say "umtimely" because we know we cannot always understand God's timing but trust He is always in control. I can't imagine the heartbreak and pain you must be suffering but I know you will seek comfort in our Lord's arms. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Rick
November 12, 2009
Semper Fi, Brother, The Few and The Proud
Dwayne Helmick
November 12, 2009
To Crystal and the Taylor Family,
I would like to offer my condolences for the loss of your Husband, Son, and Marine. Cpl Taylor and I often spoke of Viginia as that is where we were both from. You should all be very proud of him for serving his country in the exemplary manner in which he did. May God be with you during these difficult times. Semper Fi!! MSgt Helmick
Casey Koster (Corker)
November 12, 2009
Mike, Debbie, & Family,
It has been many years since I've seen Keith, but I remember my brother and I playing with Keith & Little Mike when we were younger for hours while our parents visited.
I am so sorry for your loss- from what I read Keith was an exceptional young man and is gone far too soon from this life. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of loss. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you now when you need it most.
Love and Prayers
Sergeant Griffith
November 12, 2009
Cpl Taylor, was a great Marine that was inspirational to many. His always positive attitude was contagious to everyone. He will be missed by many. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Kenny and Terry Layman
November 11, 2009
Mike and Debbie, We are sorry for your loss. We know how much Keith was loved and admired by all that met him. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Lisa Chapman
November 11, 2009
Crystal, I am very sorry to hear of Keith's untimely passing. My deepest sympathies to you and his family. I know we have been out of touch for a while, but please do not hesitate to contact me if I can do anything at all to help, or if you just need someone to talk to. I am again so sorry to hear about this.
April and Jason Collins
November 11, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to the Taylor family.
Laura Key (Adams)
November 11, 2009
Mike, Debbie & Little Mike..
I am so very sorry about Keith! I haven't seen him in so long, but from what I understand and read, he grew up to be a fine young man. You can ony be proud! I will not be able to make it either day, and please accept my apology. I pray for you and his wife, and I will think of you in the days ahead. Again, I am so sorry! I love you all!
Cathy and George Hunt
November 11, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of the sudden, unexpected death of Keith. We know you are proud of the fine young man he grew up to be. We have many memories of him having good times at HCN. We also remember him going on the missions trip to Mexico. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days.
Angela and Robby Johnson
November 11, 2009
Crystal, our thoughts are with you and Keiths family.
Amanda Nevison
November 11, 2009
Dearest Taylors: though the years have passed, I still think of all of you as family. Keith was like a brother to me, and he was a Brother in Arms. He will truly be missed, and honored as a great man. May good thoughts and happy memories carry you through this time of sadness and sorrow. All my love to all of you.
Phyllis & Bob Stoneburner
November 11, 2009
To my dear friends,
We can only begin to imagine the loss and pain you are feeling. Keith is gone far too soon, far too young. His presence will be missed so much - his love for life, his smile, his sense of commitment and family. Please know that we carry you in our hearts, and that thoughts, prayers and love are flooding your way. Should we be able to do anything, just let us know. We love you all very much.
Pete Gallaccio
November 11, 2009
To the taylor family,
im sorry to hear about keith and please accept my deepest condolensces. my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Cory Vanderpool
November 11, 2009
To the Taylor family...I am so sorry to hear about Keith's untimely death. I know how much he is loved and how proud you all are of him. I can't possibly understand what his loss must feel like, but I do know for sure that for the time he walked this Earth, he was blessed and loved by many. Thinking of you.
Judith Cargile
November 11, 2009
Dear Mike, Debbie and Michael: My heart is both very, very sad and very, very happy. I am sad because your family has lost a wonderful son and brother--but I am so happy that The Word tells us that he is now HOME with his Savior. I kept pondering that God knows exactly how it feels to have to say goodbye to a son--be assured that He knows how you feel! My love and prayers will continue with you--PSALM 91 Judith Cargile-Higdon
Greg and Teresa Bosch
November 11, 2009
Deb and Mike, please accept our deepest condolensces. I remember teaching Sunday School to Keith and had real good times, he was a bright, energetic young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. If there is ANYTHING we can do please do not hesitate to ask.
Todd Shumaker
November 11, 2009
My deepest regrets to the family. Keith was a fine young man who was proud to serve his country and then to serve and protect his community. Mike and Debbie, you did good! Let me know if there is anything I can do.
David and Mary Adams
November 11, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
November 11, 2009
To the Taylor family, our deepest sympathy to you all. What a great man Keith was, and he will be dearly missed. If we can do anything, please do not hesitate to call. Our prayers are with you all.
Wayne & Lynda Newcomb
Nick Hughes
November 11, 2009
Keith was a wonderful young man who became a dear friend years ago when he worked with me . I so enjoyed having him around to laugh and share the word of the Lord with. Even after he finished high school we stayed in touch and when ever he was in town he always contacted me. I became friends with his father and mother and lovely wife Crystal. My heart is so sad, but I trust and believe in God and we will go on. Keith lived a short, but full life and we have all the wonderful memories to keep him close. Crystal be strong in the Lord; He knows what He is doing. Mike if you ever need me. I am so thankful I got to share Keith with you. God bless you all and know that I love you. Yours in Christ, Nick Hughes and Family
Aunt Deb Easterling
November 11, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Amanda Parsley Jones
November 11, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Keith. He will always be remembered in our hearts and fond memories forever. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.
-NK Class of 2001
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