John Reed Taylor

John Reed Taylor, age 82, went to be with our Lord on Monday, May 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 8, 1943, in Olive Hill, Kentucky, to the late Thelma Adams Taylor and John Reed Taylor.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army. Following his service, he spent many years in the heavy equipment rental industry, dedicating much of his career to serving his customers and colleagues. He was known for treating others with kindness and respect, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.

In his later years, John worked side by side with his wife Fleeta developing different businesses they enjoyed doing together. The most recent was building rustic cottages on their 10 ac. Property for unique rentals to help with their retirement.

John was known for his sarcastic sense of humor and his straightforward nature—he always told it like it was, with no sugarcoating. As a sign of affection, he gave everyone a nickname, a small but meaningful way he connected with those around him.

He cherished time with his family, especially their trips to Rockport where they enjoyed fishing together. One of the family’s most treasured memories will always be John’s “hillbilly stomp dance,” which he would jokingly describe as “like clogging, but I didn’t make the team.”

John’s presence, humor, and love will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents Thelma Adams Taylor and John Reed Taylor with siblings Tom Taylor, Pete Taylor and Margaret Taylor Meadows. John will be dearly missed by his wife of 48 years, Fleeta Lee Taylor; children, John Reed Taylor III his wife Tina Richard Taylor, Tiffany Ann Johnston her husband, George William Johnston Jr., Jeremy Reed Taylor and his wife Keli Taylor; grandchildren, Taylor Michael Seanz, Devin Caleb Seanz, Kaitlyn Lee Johnston, Kameron Nichole Johnston, Riley Lajean Taylor,  Jordan Paige Taylor, Cameryn Nichole Richard, Kristopher Cody Richard : great-grandchildren, Brantley Reed Anderson, Nicholas Eli Anderson, Sawyer Raine Saenz and new baby boy to be arriving soon; siblings, Jo Ann Taylor and Dean Sparks.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations to St. Jude Children’s Research or Wounded Warrior Project.