Edward Tennent Taylor II

1959 - 2024

When diagnosed with a terminal illness that progressively affected his ability to walk, write or speak, he showed us the courage and gusto to maintain a big smile and muster his patented two thumbs-up. This was Edward Taylor.

Edward was born to Mary and John Taylor on April 20, 1959 in Jacksonville, FL. The youngest of four boys, an avid athlete, and innate enthusiast, Edward lived a life fueled by energy and infectious optimism. Even when faced with ALS, that's exactly what he did.

Edward had an unparalleled passion for the things he cared about-his Florida Gators in the midst of big orange UT fans, his beloved Bolles School, Washington and Lee University, Taylor family traditions, a color-coded closet, and hearing little voices calling out GRANDAD!!! He had a love affair for good stories and Mom's home-cooked meals. He delighted in swimming butterfly in the ocean and thrived on routine. He took pride in clipping coupons and wearing unfashionable exercise clothes on his 3 mile walks. He loved his favorite vacation spots of Wrightsville Beach, NC, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and Hyannis Port, MA. Edward was always the first to show up and the last to leave, whether at the office or a good cocktail party.

Edward worked hard helping to grow a business at Delta Asset Management. His clients and his colleagues were his joy. People mattered most and he genuinely woke up every morning eager for another day at Delta.

Edward will be remembered for the way he made people feel. He put a smile on people's faces. He made people laugh. He made people feel good. He knew how to talk to anyone, a best friend or a complete stranger. He strived to find a common denominator with others.

Edward loved being involved with The Memphis Hunt and Polo Club, The Memphis Country Club, The Hyannisport Club and The Society of the Cincinatti.

Edward is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Ruthie Stewart Taylor, his children Edward Taylor (Mary), Stewart Hunt (Harrison) and Julia Ellison (Adger), his five adoring grandchildren Mae, Teddy, and Claire Taylor and Hobson and Mayrene Hunt, his brothers John (Ninel), William (Lee), Henry (Katie), mother-in-law Mayrene Dillard Buxton, brother-in-law John Stewart, nieces Austin Taylor, Mary Brown Gray (Walt), Camila and Lilly Taylor. He is preceded in death by his parents.

We want to thank his amazing caregivers Andrew Reghitto, John Pellerito and Larry Reghitto who joyfully helped us during the past five months. Even though Gloria, Cedric, Corey, Marvin and Dennis were caring for Edward for a short time, they brought their bright smiles into our home.

Incredible nonprofits helped Edward along his journey. Team Gleason and Compassionate Care ALS were with him every step of the way, providing countless services and support.

A Funeral Service will take place on Monday, November 11th at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Holy Communion with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome memorials to The Bolles School, 7400 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217, Church of the Holy Communion, 4645 Walnut Grove Road Memphis, TN 38117 and Compassionate Care ALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574.