James Larry Taunton

James Larry Taunton (Dad/Poppy) was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, cousin, and friend. He left this world right beside his wife, his rock, just the way he wanted on February 24, 2024. He was 85 years old. He fought the good fight up until the very end. He loved his family and friends beyond measure.

Larry lived a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. He was a beacon of leadership, kindness, generosity, touching the lives of all who knew him with his warm and a little mischievous smile and compassionate spirit.

Throughout his life, he was known for is unwavering dedication to his family and friends. As a loving husband, he shared a bond of deep love and devotion with his spouse Karen Parks Taunton (Gigi), creating a home filled with love, understanding, and laughter. As a father, he was a source of wisdom, guidance, and support, always there to lend a listening ear and offering words of encouragement. Whether he was spending time outdoors, pursuing his hobbies, or simply enjoying the company of loved ones, he radiated love, joy, and positivity wherever he went. His adventurous spirit and zest for life were truly contagious, inspiring those around him to embrace each day with gratitude and enthusiasm.

In addition to his roles within his family, Larry made a significant impact on his friends, coworkers, and employees during his Presidency of 30 years at John Patterson State Technical College in Montgomery, Alabama. Larry showed this through his selfless acts of service and kindness. He shared his knowledge, experiences, and resources with all that were willing to listen. He was always seeking to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Larry will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love, compassion, and generosity will continue to live on in the hearts of the lives he touched, serving as a reminder of the profound impact one person can have on the world.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Horace Alex Taunton, his mother Kerxie Buce Taunton, his older brother Charles Taunton, his older sister Patricia Smith, his younger sister Eleanor Taunton Hatchett, his baby brother Hildred Taunton, his son Adam Roy Taunton, and his niece Kathryn Smith Bracken.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Karen Parks Taunton (Gigi), his loving daughter, Nikki Paige Taunton (Mike) Swinson, grandchildren Dillon James Taunton Clein and Daniel Alexander Taunton Clein, and Walker Allen Taunton (Adam and Stephanie’s son), his loving other children Alyson Michelle Parks (Brad) Russel, (grandchildren) Ryan Elizabeth Russell and Coleman Bradley Russell, Ashley Elizabeth Parks (Bo) Potter, (grandchildren) James Mathews Thornton Potter Jr. and Houston Parks Potter. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, that he cherished and loved dearly, niece Charlotte Patricia Smith, nephew Rikard Hulen (Linda) Hatchett, nephew John Heard Smith, nephew William Leon Smith III, nephew Troy Taunton, and nephew Larry Alex Taunton.

A celebration of James Larry Taunton’s life will be held on March 2, 2024, at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home in Montgomery, Alabama. Visitation will be from 12:30pm until 2:00pm. Larry’s memorial service will start at 2:00pm inside followed by a graveside service immediately after. (weather permitting).

May (Daddy)(Poppy) James Larry Taunton rest in peace, knowing that he was deeply loved and will never be forgotten. Though he may be gone from our sight, (Daddy/Poppy) Larry will forever remain in our hearts, a guiding light and source of strength.