Ralph Edward “Ed” Taylor Sr., 83, of Columbia, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 surrounded by his loving family at his home.
Born December 11, 1940, in Columbia, SC, he was the son of the late Jack and Margarete Taylor. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Janice.
Ed was a graduate of Olympia High School class of 1959. He graduated from The Citadel class of 1964 where he majored in Business Administration while playing both baseball and football for the Bulldogs. He was a proud member of the 1960 football team that won both the Southern Conference championship as well as the Tangerine Bowl. For a brief time during his Citadel football career, Ed was listed as one of the nation’s top 10 kickoff returners in college football. The tight bond between Ed and his Citadel teammates and classmates has been solid and amazing to follow for the past 60 years.
Ed was the owner of Crescent Construction for most of his business career specializing in residential and commercial renovations. He was an active member of Riverland Hills Baptist Church where he was one of the founding members of the New Beginnings Sunday School Class. He was also involved in prison ministry at the Broad River Road facility. He was a member of the New Life Singers that ministered in churches in the Columbia area.
Ed was an avid fisherman and shared that passion with his family. He was also involved in coaching multiple sports that his children and grandchildren participated in. His family was his heart and his favorite thing to do was to attend all of their games and activities alongside his wife, Jean.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Jean Shahid Taylor; son, Eddie Taylor, Jr. (Avril); and daughters Terri Koon (David); Kristine Gilmer (Dave); Robin Koon (Jason); grandchildren Corey Koon, Lauren Koon, Austin Koon (Anna), Emily Snipes (Ty), Elliott Gilmer (Emma), Molly Armstrong (Jimmy), Marshall Gilmer, Katie Koon, Erin Taylor, Will Taylor, Paul Taylor, Kristen Koon and Sam Gilmer; and great granddaughter Collins Koon. Brother, Nelson Taylor (Margaret), sister, Bonnie Bone (Keith) and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 3:00 pm at Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Irmo, SC with Rev. Bill Haselden and Rev. Ryan Pack officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Standing Side by Side PO Box 502 Locust, NC 28097 (100% of donations will go to support the children at the Mother Blessing Children’s Home in Liberia, West Africa) or RHBC Benevolence Fund 201 Lake Murray Blvd. Irmo, SC 29063