In Memoriam: Remembering Chris Taylor – Starkville’s ‘Everywhere Man’
The small town of Starkville, Mississippi, mourns the loss of a beloved community leader and tireless advocate, Chris Taylor, who ‘lived large, laughed large, and loved large’. Taylor, whose vibrant personality and passionate community involvement added a lively color to Starkville’s culture, died at the age of 69.
A Life Well-Lived
True to his nature, Taylor chose to spend his final hours at the community-centered Prairie Arts Festival in West Point, Mississippi. A former Army veteran, he was widely recognized for his boisterous laughter, robust love for his community, and larger-than-life persona. “He lived large, laughed large, and loved large,” affirmed a lifelong friend and successor to Taylor as president of the Oktibbeha County NAACP.
Taylor was a native of Starkville and Oktibbeha County. After dedicating 31 years to the Army and witnessing experiences in Kosovo and Afghanistan, he retired with the rank of command sergeant major in 2006. Retirement did not slow him down, however. Taylor returned to his hometown to continue his life mission of serving his community.
Deep Ties with the Community
From serving as the local NAACP president for seven years to his work on the board of Starkville’s Bridges Out of Poverty and active participation in the American Red Cross and American Legion Post 240, Taylor’s contributions were diverse. He was a definitive presence in Starkville, appearing at local events and becoming a beloved figure.
“Chris was at every event,” noted the Starkville Mayor. “He was a wonderful representative of the community and a great role model. He was so supportive of Starkville, an upbeat, positive person and a fabulous member of our community.”
Despite his unrelenting commitment to the community, Taylor equally valued family. As a devoted father and a doting grandfather, Taylor forged strong familial ties. He relished his role as a grandfather and would host his grandchildren every summer. His love for travel, nurtured during his tenure in the Army, was another major passion. Even days before his passing, Taylor had returned from an enriching trip to Miami Beach.
The Legacy Lives On
Reflecting on the void left by Taylor’s passing, many in the community agree that Starkville will not be the same without him. “He was just one of the best humans you could ever meet. He was involved in so many things, always helping and never once asking for anything in return,” shared a local District Attorney.
Everyone who knew Taylor spoke of his affectionate nature, his vast network of friends, and his gift to inspire everyone, particularly black men, to take up leadership roles. His passing signifies not only the loss of a remarkable community leader but also an endearing friend, a passionate activist, and a loving family man.
Taylor’s life may have ended, but his legacy lingers. His endeavors, brimming with love for people and the community, embody the essence of a life lived to the fullest. His indelible mark on Starkville’s canvas serves as an ongoing inspiration, a beacon guiding those who wish to follow his example in leading a life of service, love, and fulfillment.
