David Churchhill Taylor

David Churchill Taylor, 76, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, went to his eternal home with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 16, 2025. He was born on May 10, 1949, in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, the son of Clyde and Rosemary Taylor.

David grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he spent his formative years. He went on to attend Barrington College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Following his graduation, he answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Navy in June of 1971 as a Hospital Corpsman. Upon completion of Aviation Officer Candidate School, he was designated a Naval Aviator in 1975.

David faithfully served his country in the United States Navy for 32 years, retiring with the rank of Captain. Over the course of his distinguished career, he was awarded three Meritorious Service Medals. He served as the squadron commanding officer of HSL-37 at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, and from 1993 to 1995 was the Operations Officer aboard the USS INCHON. In 1995, he reported to the Chief of Staff of the Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic, where he worked on Partnership for Peace activities and provided counsel on NATO enlargement issues. In 1997, he reported to the USS BATAAN as Executive Officer, and from 1998 to 1999 he assumed duties as Commanding Officer. In November 2001, David assumed duties as Commander, Amphibious Squadron 6, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, where he guided sailors and Marines with the same steady hand and unwavering integrity that marked his entire career.

His pursuit of excellence extended beyond the fleet; he earned two master's degrees-one in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, and another in International Relations from Salve Regina College. These achievements reflected his lifelong dedication to learning and leadership, qualities that guided him throughout his service and life.

On May 28, 1972, David was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carolyn. Together they shared more than fifty years of tenderness, faith, and love in marriage, building a home that was a source of encouragement for all who entered. David and Carolyn were blessed with three children and are survived by Matt Taylor and his wife, Kelly; Katy Hoskins and her husband, Matt; and Zach Taylor and his wife, Anne. His role as a husband and father was one of his greatest joys, and he poured into his family with the same devotion that marked every part of his life. He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren: Hudson, Tatum, Brock, and Brielle, children of Matt and Kelly; Ethan, Noah, and Caleb, children of Matt and Katy; and Mila, Joy, and Callum, children of Zach and Anne. His love, wisdom, and steadfast faith will continue to live on in the hearts of his wife, children, and grandchildren, a lasting testimony to a life well lived.

Faith was the cornerstone of David's life. A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, he sought to live out his calling with humility, kindness, and integrity. His deep trust in God shaped his service in the Navy, his love as a husband, his guidance as a father, and his joy as a grandfather. He was a strong servant leader who had a heart for helping others. He loved his wife, family, friends, church, Cummings Cove community, and country. He gave himself to serving others and was committed to honoring Christ through his life. Steady in his devotion to Scripture, he lived in a way that bore witness to God's grace and faithfulness, leaving an example for all who knew him to follow.

A private family burial service will be held Friday, September 19, 2025 at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. A memorial service celebrating David's life will follow on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Reformation Presbyterian Church (RPC). In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to RPC in honor of David's faith, or to the UNC Health Pardee Cancer Center in support of the caring doctors, nurses, and staff.