Merril Ray "M.R." Taylor

Merril Ray “M.R.” Taylor passed away at UT Medical Center on May 3, 2022, with his family by his side. Born August 7, 1941, Merril was preceded in death by his parents, Delmar and Beatrice Taylor, siblings Norman Taylor and Estlina Wilson (Roy), stepdaughter Jackie Barineau, and nephew Jackie Taylor. Merril is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Marty, daughter Edana Herrell (Brian), son Jason Taylor (Susan), stepson Rocky Holloway (Mandy), grandsons Alex Taylor and Jace Herrell, several nieces and nephews, and life-long friend Johnny Hembree. Merril retired from Lucent Technologies after 38 years of service. He was a 50-year Mason with Cherokee Lodge #728, a Shriner for 30 years with Kerbela Temple, and a 32nd degree Mason. Merril never met a stranger and had a unique ability to make them feel like life-long friends and family. Merging this with his love of boating resulted in many memorable houseboat trips up the Tennessee River to UT football games. The family will hold a celebration of life on May 13, 2022, 5-7pm at Grandview Pavilion, 2316 Graves Rd, Maryville, TN 37803. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394, Attn: Processing Center. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Merril Ray "M.R." Taylor please visit our Sympathy Store.