Michael John Taylor

Mr. Michael John Taylor, age 78, of Knoxville, TN passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026. He was born in Orlando, Florida to David Crawford Taylor and Catherine Barrett Taylor. Mr. Taylor proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp, serving two tours in Vietnam. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina, his master's degree from the University of Tennessee and worked for nearly forty years as a mechanical engineer at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Mr. Taylor loved problem-solving and the creative process and spent much of his free time woodworking. He also loved a quiet, crisp morning in a deer stand, hunting or just watching the sunrise. A life-long learner, Mr. Taylor was curious about the world and loved to watch a documentary, a YouTube how-to video, and to travel.

Most of all, Mr. Taylor loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara Wilson Taylor, daughters Betsy Taylor Morgan and Laurie Taylor; his siblings, Barry Taylor, Christopher (Pam) Taylor, and Mary Ellen Taylor.

Services will be held at Rose-Mann Funeral Home on January 29, 2026. Visitation will be from 3-5pm with a service to follow at 5pm. A private family burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mission of Hope or Second Harvest Food Bank.