Mr. Edward Harold Taylor, age 74, affectionately known as "Ed" or "Gooch" to family and friends, passed away 4:54am Saturday, August 28, 2021 at his residence surrounded by his family.

Ed was born August 24, 1947 in Sparta, Tennessee to the late Harold Toy Taylor and Rebecca Hull Taylor Swindell. His work career began in high school at Gooch Drug Store, where he earned his nickname Gooch that he would carry for the rest of his life. Ed went on to work in marketing and later retiring as the Director of the Sparta Housing Authority. He was an avid tennis player and enjoyed all watersports while spending time on his houseboat on Center Hill Lake. He loved his home on Story Mountain, whether he was entertaining by the pool, working in his yard, cutting firewood, or sledding in the good snows of the 1980s and 90s. He was an active member of the Sparta First United Methodist Church where he served on various committees over the years. Gooch was a member of a group of friends that watched Monday Night Football together for nearly 40 years as well as a group that had a regular card game. Above all else, Gooch's favorite time was spent with his beloved family. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by grandson, Noah Taylor Myers and step-father Herman Swindell.

Surviving family members include his wife of 50 years Janet Vaughn Taylor

Two daughters: Valerie (Randy) Norris, Jessie (Carol Tomlinson) Taylor

Grandchildren: Ellie Myers, Parker Taylor-Tomlinson and Wyatt Taylor-Tomlinson

Step-grandson: Rance Norris

Hunter Funeral Home has been entrusted with Ed's cremation and a memorial service to honor both Ed and his grandson Noah will be conducted 4:00pm Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Sparta First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2-4pm at the church. The Taylor family respectfully asks that all friends visiting the church to please wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to any of the following, The Noah Taylor Myers memorial scholarship, Suicide Prevention/Awareness or the American Cancer Society in care of Hunter Funeral Home, PO Box 90, Sparta, TN 38583