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Michael “Big Tate” Taylor, 61, of Elizabethton, Tenn., passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital after an extended illness surrounded by family. He was the son of the late Viola Taylor Dugger.
In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Noah and Lucille Grindstaff Taylor, and his father-in-law, Herman Henson.
Michael was a 1980 graduate of Unaka High School and a graduate of Enhanced Technology and Training Center Y-12 plant in Oak Ridge, Tenn. He was a former machinist and millwright having worked at Snap-on Tools, Superior Industries, QCI, Power-Serve and many others.
He enjoyed camping, jeep riding, gardening and backpacking in his younger years. Michael was of the Baptist faith.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 37 years on September 1, Lillie Ruth Henson Taylor, of the home; a beloved daughter that he considered his greatest achievement and greatest blessing from God, Jessica Michaela Taylor (who was born to them after 22 years of marriage and their only child.); mother-in-law, June Henson; two brothers-in-law, Wesley Henson (DeEtta) of Hampton and Scott Henson of Roan Mountain; two nephews, Michael Henson and Brady Henson; niece, Sarah Henson; fur-babies, Sally, Tom, BoJack aka Oreo and Pogie; and several cousins.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Michael will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday, September 14, in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home. The family will receive friends between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m. Thursday, prior to the service. The family would like to give a special thanks to Amedisys Home Health, Megan, Jerry, Gail, Jennifer, Ballad Hospice, Sycamore Shoals Hospital and especially the staff at Life Care Center of Elizabethton for all their loving care and support during this difficult time. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be shared with the Taylor family and viewed on our website at www.hathawaypercy.com.
Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services are honored to serve the family of Michael “Big Tate” Taylor. Office: (423) 543-5544.