Zachary Taylor Carlton, 30, went home to be with Jesus on November 6, 2026, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A native of Lewisburg, Tennessee, Taylor was an old soul who was deeply loved by so many. He was known for his genuine character and the way he treated everyone he met. He was the same person with everyone, and his kindness and authenticity left a lasting impression on those around him.
Taylor had a deep love for the outdoors and especially looked forward to spending opening day of deer season with his dad, Jimmy. Those who knew Taylor knew there wasn’t much he couldn’t make, build, or fix. His latest project was remodeling their home, where his meticulous attention to detail was evident in every room. Taylor was a hard worker with a servant’s heart, always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Whether cleaning up storm damage, building a wheelchair ramp for someone, or helping a friend move, Taylor was quick to show up and serve others.
Above all, Taylor loved the Lord. He knew the Word of God and, more importantly, lived it. His life was a living testimony of his faith, and he sought to be a light for Christ to everyone he encountered.
Next to his love for the Lord was his love for Sarah Beth. He took great joy in making her feel special, often spending hours creating thoughtful, handmade gifts just for her, from steelwork pieces to the wooden ring box he made for their engagement. They treasured the simple joys of life together: working on their home, cooking a good meal, traveling out of town to antique shop for their home, or taking Bentley, their beloved dog, out for ice cream. They also loved opening their home to others and making people feel welcome. Taylor was so excited to become a father and eagerly anticipated meeting their precious little girl, due this spring. Children of all ages were naturally drawn to Taylor and loved him dearly. There is no doubt their baby would have adored him just as much.
Taylor never met a stranger, and it didn’t take long for people to come to know and love him. He had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to have a good time, and especially enjoyed giving a hard time to the friends and family closest to him. His genuine smile, contagious laugh, generous heart, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
Taylor is survived by his wife, Sarah Beth Prosser Carlton; parents, Jimmy and Vicky Carlton; sisters, Jessica (Bryson) and Bethany; niece and nephew, Nora June and Elliot Ragan; grandmother, Sandra Woodard; uncle, Troy Woodard; parents-in-law, Steve and Sharron Prosser; brother-in-law, Ryan Prosser; and sister-in-law, Samantha Prosser; grandparents-in-law, Wade and Jean Prosser, Ted and Jewell Cashion.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Baby Carlton Fund at First Commerce Bank.
Visitation with the family be held at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 990 Cornersville Road, Lewisburg, TN, on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Graveside service will he held on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Lone Oak Cemetery.
London Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
