Ronald Michael Taylor (Mike)

Ronald Michael Taylor ("Mike"), age 78, of Knoxville, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on Friday evening, May 29, 2026. He was a member of Second United Methodist Church. He loved his family and took great pride in attending his grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's events. He was their biggest fan, cheering from the stands. He had a way of making each of us feel like we were his favorite, often sharing a unique quote about being "the favorite." He showed up for everything and everyone. He was the best Papaw ever. He never missed a ballgame, birthday, card, or any activity involving his family. He will be deeply missed here on earth by his family and friends, but he is now in heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

    Mike was preceded in death by his father, Richard Ronald Taylor; his mother, Mary Jo Wilson Slate; and close relatives Bill Hill, Harold Slate, Dorothy Taylor, and Patricia Gibson. 

   He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy (Bradley) Taylor; his children, Kim (Owen) Smith, Michael (Elizabeth) Taylor, and Bradley (Kinsey) Taylor; his granddaughters, Kelly Lashley (Carter), Krista Richey (Chris), and Kinsey Sanderfur (Terence); his grandsons, Noah Taylor, Tyson Taylor, and William Taylor; his great-grandchildren, Marli, Laney, Addison, Landon, Everest, Jaxon, and Malakai; his brother, Alex Slate; Linda Flood, who was like a sister to him; his special aunt, Marjorie Hill; his stepbrother, John Riley; and many beloved members of the Taylor family.

    The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Mynatt Funeral Home, Fountain City Chapel, 2829 Rennoc Road, Knoxville, TN 37918. Family and friends will meet at Lynnhurst Cemetery on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 12:45 PM for a 1:00 PM graveside service officiated by Dr. Robert Haskins and Rev. Betsy Denton. Owen Smith, Chris Richey, Carter Lashley, Terence Sanderfur, Tyson Taylor, Noah Taylor, William Taylor, Landon Richey, Everest Dunlap, and Jaxon Sanderfur will serve as pallbearers.