Jay Taylor

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald "Jay" Alton Taylor III, a beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Jay passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 57.

Jay was born on August 8, 1967, in Moultrie, Georgia, to Gerald "Jerry" Alton Taylor II and Virginia Lee Taylor. His father, Jerry, was a Colonel in the United States Air Force, and Jay held a deep admiration for him, which instilled in him a strong sense of pride in being an American. As a child of a military family, Jay moved frequently, but eventually settled in Arizona, where he graduated from high school.

After high school, Jay moved to Las Vegas to pursue his passion for food, opening his first fine dining restaurant. The fast pace of the city eventually led him to seek a change, and he relocated to Hawaii to work at one of Don Ho’s fine dining restaurants, embracing the island lifestyle. He spent several years in Hawaii before returning to his roots in Moultrie, Georgia, where he began a long and dedicated career as a firefighter. Jay proudly served his community for 20 years, and his colleagues often referred to him as "the best boss they ever had" and described him as always being there to lend a helping hand.

It was during this time that Jay met his future wife, Olivia Shea Taylor. While on a family vacation to Las Vegas in 2016, Jay and Olivia decided they couldn’t wait any longer and married Vegas-style, surrounded by family. Though Jay did not have children of his own, he became a loving stepfather to Gabe, who is currently serving as a Sergeant in the Army Ranger Regiment. Jay was incredibly proud of Gabe and often spoke of his accomplishments. Jay also shared a special bond with his nephews, but his love for his niece, Jessie, ran especially deep. Having helped raise Jessie since she was 2 years old, he loved her as his own and was always there to offer support and guidance.

After retiring from his career as a firefighter, Jay worked as the Food and Beverage Manager at Sunset Country Club, where he excelled by utilizing the skills he had acquired throughout his diverse career.

Jay loved a little healthy competition—whether it was playing Pictionary, Yahtzee, a card game, or trying to beat his "younger" big sister Kim at guessing the artist of a song on the radio. His playful grin was a testament to his joy in these moments.

Jay was deeply loved by his family and friends, and his presence will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his father, Gerald Alton Taylor II and Barbra Briggs; his wife, Olivia Shea Taylor; his stepson, Gabe Mitchell; his sister and brother-In-law, Bobby and Kim Baxter, nieces and nephews,  Taylor and Rachael Mix, Corey and Marley Mix, and Jacob and Jessie Felts. 

He is preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Taylor.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Jay touched are invited to a visitation at Baker Funeral Home on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 5 p.m., with the service following at 6 p.m.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home & Crematory.