Beloved school teacher and former Director of the Tishomingo County Vocational Center, Gary Lynn Taylor, passed away on September 20, 2023, at Tishomingo Manor in Iuka. Born to Grady and Louise Branson Taylor on December 27, 1944, he was 78. After graduating from Belmont High School, he pursued his education at Northeast Community College and earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at Mississippi State University. He furthered his academic journey by completing his Master’s degree at Mississippi State and later his Educational Specialist degree at Mississippi College.

Gary embarked on his teaching career in Moulton, Alabama, before returning to teach agriculture at Tishomingo High School. With the completion of the Vocational Center's construction, he transitioned there to teach Agricultural Mechanics. In 1986, he assumed the role of Director and dedicated 22 years to the position. During this time, he also served as the Tishomingo County Tech Prep Coordinator, actively working to integrate computer technology into the local schools. He supervised GED programs and the STEP program to address dropout issues.

Beyond his educational endeavors, Gary was a dedicated public servant, serving as an Alderman for the Town of Tishomingo for two decades and as a commissioner for the Soil and Water Conservation service for 23 years. He also held positions on the Tishomingo County Electric Board, including multiple terms as President. His involvement extended to the Methodist Church, where he contributed in various capacities, such as a Sunday School teacher and music leader. In 2014, his outstanding contributions earned him the title of Tishomingo's Citizen of the Year.

In his leisure time, Gary was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for skeet shooting and hunting, but his true love was his farm and all things related to farming. Upon retirement, he could often be found on a tractor or mower, tending to the land he cherished.

Services were held on Sunday, September 24, at 4 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel in Belmont, Mississippi, with Rev. Steve Kennedy officiating. He was laid to rest in Belmont City Cemetery, with Deaton Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Gary is survived by his wife of 56 years, Anne Griffin Taylor, and his sons, John-Grady Taylor and his wife, Erica, and Justin JaHue Taylor and his wife, Megan. He treasured four grandchildren: Andrew, Claire-Mann, Zoe, and Cela-Cathryn. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Jeannie Taylor and Janet Savoy (John); a brother-in-law, Tim Griffin (Dixie); five nieces, two nephews, three great-nieces, and three great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Larry Taylor, and a nephew, Bran Taylor. Pallbearers for the service included Harry Bowman, Billy Southward, Frankie Howie, Blake Taylor, Lee Griffin, Jack Alexander, Kent McClung, and Anthony Stone. Colleagues of Tishomingo County Vocational Center served as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials may be made to the Griffin-Taylor Memorial Scholarship Fund for Tishomingo County Career and Technical Center, c/o Tishomingo County Career and Technical Center or at First American National Bank.