Clovis Taylor

Clovis Taylor, 92, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved and lived his life devoted to. Born on July 1, 1933, in Franklin County, Alabama, Clovis grew up with a deep appreciation for the outdoors—a love that would shape every chapter of his life. Whether he was hunting, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, or even scuba diving, Clovis embraced the natural world with joy, curiosity, and a sense of adventure that never faded. A proud graduate of the University of North Alabama, Class of 1955, Clovis was commissioned after college as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. He served two years of active duty, including 16 months in Korea, and later dedicated 28 additional years to the Army Reserves, retiring with honor as a Colonel. After retiring, Clovis volunteered his time for many years with the East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard, honoring his fallen brothers and sisters in arms. His service was guided by integrity, humility, and an unwavering sense of duty. After returning home, Clovis built a long and respected career as an aquatic biologist with the Tennessee Valley Authority in Norris, Tennessee. His work combined his love for nature with a lifelong commitment to stewardship and learning. Clovis also lived his faith through action. He was a devoted member of the Church of Christ and spent seven meaningful years serving with the Sojourners group, doing mission work across the country. He lived his beliefs with quiet consistency—always helping, fixing, building, guiding, and showing up wherever he was needed. Above all, Clovis was a family man. A good and godly man. The kind of man who showed up with a toolbox, a fishing pole, a lesson to teach, or a steady hand to help. He lived 92 full years, and every one of them bore the imprint of love, adventure, and purpose. Clovis leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Margaret “Peggy” Taylor; his daughter Angela Irwin of Lenoir City, TN; and his son Thomas Taylor, of Knoxville TN, (Kim Taylor) and sister Raycene Taylor (Harley Taylor). He is preceded in death by his daughter Allison Taylor, whom he now joins in eternal rest. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Jesse Morgan (John Morgan), Meredith Purcell (Justin Purcell), Kelsey Cooper (Caleb Cooper), Samantha Cook, Houston Irwin (Kara Irwin), and Reese Taylor—along with ten great-grandchildren who will grow up knowing the stories of the remarkable man whose legacy lives in each of them. Clovis lived a life of service, faith, and adventure—one defined by action, dedication, and a deep love for both his family and God’s creation. Those who knew him will remember his steady presence, his hunting stories, and the countless ways he quietly made the world better. His story, his lessons, and his love will continue to live on in all who had the blessing of calling him husband, Dad, Papaw, or friend.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Arlington Church of Christ with a service to follow at 7:00pm, Pastor Mark Brackney officiating. Family and friends will meet at 9:45am Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Highway for a 10:00am committal service, with military honors provided by East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mynattfh.com