David Earl Taylor, Sr.

A light of the Lord, and a light to all who knew and loved him, David Earl Taylor, Sr. passed away peacefully on August 17th, 2026. Affectionally known as “Dave” or “The Real David Taylor”, he spent all of his wonderful 88 years of life in Knoxville, TN. Dave was raised by his maternal grandmother, Margaret Taylor, who he referred to as “a Saint”. She raised him to love others and especially love Jesus and instilled in him his exceptional work ethic. Dave met his wife Nancy in high school, and they remained as close as two people could be. Dave saw her one day in class and said she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen and couldn’t wait to ask her out on a date. Many a person who knew him, heard the story of him accidentally forgetting their first date, and Dave going to apologize to her parents so that they could go out with each other. A true testimony to marriage, they were to celebrate 70 years of being husband and wife on August 23, 2026. A genuine servant of God, Dave faithfully was a deacon and a door greeter at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church, where he and Nancy were members.

In addition to being a devoted husband, Dave was a wonderful father to his daughter Robin, son David, and his beloved dog Maggie Mae. He was also the best father-in-law to his daughter-in-law, Traci. Dave and his son, David, worked alongside each other for 18 years in the business Dave started in 1973, Taylor Battery Company.

Dave was also a man of many hobbies, but his favorite past-time was golf. Whether walking 18 holes, working at Knoxville Municipal Golf Course, or watching it on television, he could not get enough off his favorite sport. Dave also was a registered pilot and enjoyed hunting and fishing when he was younger. His knowledge of the Bible could rival most, and he couldn’t wait for Sundays to spend time in their Sunday School class at Wallace Memorial, greeting people as they came in to worship, and he was especially close to their pastor, Kent Williams.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy; daughter, Robin; son David (Traci); granddaughter, Brittney (Nic); brother-in-law, Johnny Vandergriff and sister-in-law, Gerrie Vandergriff, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Margaret Taylor; his mother-in-law, Ruby Vandergriff; his brothers-in-law, Bob Vandergriff, Jack Vandergriff and Homer Russell, as well as his sisters-in-law, Boots Russell and Sandra Vandergriff.

Those of us who were privileged to know him and love him will forever remember the sparkle in his eyes, his contagious smile, and his love for storytelling. He leaves behind a legacy rooted in his faithfulness to God.

Family and friends will meet at 10:45pm on Friday, August 21, 2026 at Lynnhurst Cemetery, 2300 Adair Drive, Knoxville, TN 37918 for an 11:00am graveside service. Pastor Kent Williams will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Wallace Memorial Baptist Church at www.wallaceknox.com  or to Morning Pointe Senior Living at www.morningpointe.com. 

Mynatt Funeral Home Powell Chapel is honored to be serving the family of David Earl Taylor, Sr.

Mynatt Funeral Home Powell Chapel * 2000 Powell Drive * Powell, TN 37849 * (865) 362-5382 * www.mynattfh.com