Joseph Vernon Taylor Jr.

Joseph V. Taylor Jr., 96, passed away Saturday, December 23, 2023 at his home. Joseph was born January 3, 1927 in Montgomery, Alabama to parents Joseph V. Taylor Sr. and Shirlette Dewar Taylor. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1945.

Joseph served in the United States Army during World War II. He married Carol Rankin on February 14, 1954. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he worked at Cummins for 49 years before retiring in 1997.

Joseph enjoyed working on cars, yardwork, and spending time with family, especially taking care of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joseph is survived by his daughter, Crystal (Daniel) Self; granddaughters, Cara Blocker, Erica (Greg) Montelione, and Kayla Hunnicutt; great-grandchildren, Marley, Eli, Gray, Ella, and Casey; and sisters, Corinne (Max) Carr, Kay (Sam) Harrison, and Anna Hoskins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Betty Cheatam.

A funeral service for Joseph will be held Saturday, December 30 at 10 a.m. at Myers-Reed Chapel. Entombment will follow at Garland Brook Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Bartholomew County Honor Guard. Friends may gather for visitation on Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Joseph was a special man with a good heart who loved his family and he will be deeply missed.

To share a fond memory of Joseph or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.Myers-Reed.com.

Myers-Reed Chapel is assisting the Taylor family.