LTC Samel Wilde Taylor, Sr.

Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Wilde Taylor, Sr., age 80, of Knoxville, TN, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday evening, September 18, 2025. He was born May 20, 1945, in Neptune, NJ, a son of the late Harold and Dorothy Taylor. Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Stumpfl Taylor, his sons, Samuel Wilde Taylor, Jr. of Braselton, Georgia, and Kyle Bernard Taylor of Acworth, Georgia.

Sam is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Joy (Nelson) Breeden; his grandchildren, Catherine (Jon) Williams, Colton Breeden, Lily Breeden, and Logan Breeden, all of Knoxville, Tennessee; his siblings James Taylor of Richmond Hill, GA, Roger Taylor of Manasquan, NJ and Deborah (Ed) Shinn of Wall Township, NJ. He also leaves many cousins, nieces, nephews, family members and friends who will sadly miss him.

He was a proud and distinguished veteran, serving over twenty years in the army for his country. Sam graduated from Georgia Tech and had a full career as a construction manager, engineer, and project manager. He helped multiple firms solve environmental problems and build truly amazing structures. Outside of his career, Sam spent his time helping family and friends with home improvement projects. In his retirement, Sam was proud to work at the St. Martin de Porres Food Pantry at Holy Cross Church, making a difference.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Sam will be laid to rest with his wife and boys at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Farragut, Tennessee.