John Walker Taylor, 81, of Fayetteville, departed this earthly life to be with his heavenly Father on Saturday, July 27, at Centennial Hospital. He was the beloved son of Mac and Evelyn Gray Taylor, both of whom preceded him in death. John was a devoted and compassionate husband, father, and grandfather. As an elder at the Fayetteville Cumberland Presbyterian Church, he exemplified the importance of living one’s faith through actions and integrity.
John received his early education at the Fayetteville City Schools and graduated from Central High School in 1961. He continued his education at Middle Tennessee State University, earning both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree, along with 45 additional hours in Mathematics and Industrial Technology. Initially set on a career in engineering and science, a life-changing phone call redirected him to a lifelong passion: education.
For 39 years, John dedicated himself to teaching in the Lincoln County School System. He spent fourteen years at Flintville High School before moving to Lincoln County High School, where he primarily taught mathematics, specializing in Geometry. Over the course of his career, he taught approximately 6,000 students, often remembering them by face and name. John earned the admiration and respect of many former students who credited him with having a significant impact on their lives. He was honored with a Teacher of the Year Award for his outstanding contributions to education. Beyond the classroom, John taught homebound students and served as the Director of Adult Education, assisting adults in earning their General Education Diplomas. He also worked summers in construction with CFW Construction Company.
Besides teaching, John loved farming. When asked about why he became a teacher instead of pursuing a higher earning potential career at Redstone Arsenal, he stated that he liked teaching students and having his summers off to have more time on the farm. He loved being on a tractor, taking care of his cows and especially, talking about farming. His hobbies included building things for his children and grandchildren, listening to country music and watching singing competitions with his wife. John knew almost every country music singer and their songs for the last 70 years, first, listening to the radio as a child and then later as an adult with County Music Television and the Grand Ole Opry.
John married his loving wife, Betty Jo Wallace Taylor, on July 31, 1965. They shared nearly 59 years together, richly blessed with two devoted sons, Chris (Lissa) and Matt (Kim). He cherished his grandchildren, Sydney and Dylan Taylor of Murfreesboro, TN, and Libby, Lee, and Wes Taylor of Nashville, TN. John is also survived by many loving cousins, students, and friends.
John Walker Taylor’s legacy, as an educator and mentor, will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community.
The family asks if you want to make a donation, please do so to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 E Ohio Street Suite 500 Chicago, IL 60611
Funeral Services will be held at 3pm on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at Fayetteville Cumberland Presbyterian Church with Rev. Tim Smith and Chris Taylor officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be from 1:30 pm to 3 pm on Sunday at the church.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John Walker Taylor
