Eric Owen Taylor Sr.

News Death Notice

TAYLOR SR., Eric Owen 42 was born July 12, 1967 and passed away peacefully with family by his side on May 19th, 2010 in Dayton, Ohio. A most giving and loving son, husband, father, brother and friend slipped from our arms to enter forever peace. Eric had such a giving heart and a vibrant personality he truly loved all mankind. Eric attended Springfield City Schools and after graduation enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1986. Eric traveled the world and met many special people including his future wife while in New Jersey. Eric moved back to Ohio in 1995 and was employed at Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport, (178th Fighter Wing) as a Jet Engine Mechanic. He became a foster parent in 1996. He helped father many kids during those 13 years and took great pride and joy in their accomplishments. One of Eric's many pleasures was coaching football; he started coaching in 1996 for the Little Tigers and ended his coaching career in 2008 as Head Coach for the Middle School Springfield Wildcats to enjoy quality time with his children. Some players would fondly call him the "Gentlest" Head Coach they ever met; Eric had a calm soul and loved interacting with the players. Eric often would say his greatest achievements had been reached when he had the wonderful experience of becoming father to his five children whom he deeply adored, but above all his greatest enjoyment was being blessed to coach his oldest son from the time he was 6 years old thru middle school football. Eric enjoyed all sports and was a loyal "Chicago Bears" fan from childhood. Some of Eric's close friends and colleagues would jokingly call him "George Foreman" (all his son's names somehow reflect back to him). His generosity to all who had the pleasure in sharing his day to day life will always be remembered. Eric never met a stranger and had many friends from all walks of life who will always have cherished memories of him. Eric was a huge music lover and could name any artist singing at the drop of a hat. He always talked about becoming a "Promoter" when he retired. Most importantly his strong love for the Lord was apparent in his beautiful soul. He worked effortlessly providing for his family and always seemed to put their needs first. Without Eric, our hearts are broken and our tears endless, but our memories and joys are immeasurable. His laughter and smile will always be in our hearts. His children have cherished every second spent with him and will work hard to continue the dreams he had for their future. Eric leaves to cherish his memory, parents Jacob and Cheryl Pritchet-Taylor of Springfield, Ohio, his wife of 15 years, Tanya Taylor Springfield, Ohio, 3 sons, Eric Brandon Taylor (ET), Atlantic City, NJ, Eric Owen Taylor, Jr. (EJ) and Timothy Eric Taylor (Mouse), Springfield, Ohio, his 2 daughters, daddy's princesses Ajanique and Tanaysza Taylor, Springfield, Ohio, brother and best friend, Tony Taylor, Springfield, Ohio, his sister whom he adored, Angel Taylor, Columbia, Maryland, mother-in-law Beverly Wilson, Springfield, Ohio, sister-in-law Elisa (George) Morton of Atlantic City, NJ, brother-in-laws Frederick and Lamont Blocker also of Atlantic City, NJ, Special Cousins, James Pritchet and Vincent Bray, both of Springfield, Ohio, Ryan Bray, Frankfort KY, Sherry Sims, San Antonio, Texas and Lester Smith of Dayton, Ohio, loving and cherished friend of the family, Toni Alexander, Pleasantville, NJ. Eric also leaves uncles, aunts, nieces, cousins, godchildren and a host of special friends that were dear to his heart. Eric's at peace and is now rejoicing with his beloved family and friends whom preceded him in death, while continuing to watch over his family. Rest Eric till we meet again and know that we will keep your memory forever in our hearts and soul. Thank you for allowing us to spend these last beautiful 9 months privately saying goodbye, you held on and made sure everything was okay, then the Lord said "Job well done" and you left our arms for now. Big "E" we will forever love you. The family would like to thank Pastor Ernest C. Brown, St. John Missionary Baptist Church's congregation, Brother Kenneth Applin, Deacon Shropshire, Denny Bronston, Dr. Jillian Waite, Msgt Clyde Wilson, 178th fighter wing colleagues and friends, all nursing, physical and occupational staff for all the prayers, kind acts, love and support shown to our family. Visitation will be held Tuesday May 25, 2010 after 11:00 a.m. in the St. John Missionary Baptist Church (Mulberry Street Entrance) where his family will be present until time of services at 12:00 noon with Pastor Ernest C. Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Ferncliff Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the Marlan J. Gary Funeral Home, Chapel of Peace. 937-360-6834/614-267-8310. You may express condolences to Eric's family at www.marlangary.com.