Mr. Terry M. Taylor, age 77, of Gamaliel, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Shanti Niketan Hospice House in Glasgow, Kentucky, surrounded by family. Terry was born January 29, 1949, a son of the late John Mitchell and Mildred Maedean (Phillips) Taylor. He was a man who lived a full life marked by hard work, loyalty, and the simple things he loved most.
Terry was a 1968 graduate of Gamaliel High School. After graduation, he traveled to California, where he worked cutting redwoods with American Forestry alongside his uncles at Phillips Brothers. He later returned home and worked as a concrete operator for Joe M. Rodgers in Nashville, Tennessee, where he helped pour concrete for what is now the Gamaliel City Hall and fire department.
Throughout his life, Terry worked in many trades. He spent time drilling for zinc with St. Joe Mineral Company and was involved in mining work in Montana, Missouri, and the Carthage area. He later dedicated many years of his life to Belden Wire and Cable, working in maintenance for 26 years until the business closed.
Terry was also a volunteer fireman for many years, serving his community with pride. He took on several roles, including State Fire Examiner and Fire Chief, always willing to step in where he was needed most.
Outside of work, Terry enjoyed the things that brought him peace. He loved building and racing hobby stock cars, a passion he carried for several years. In his earlier days, he coon hunted and later became a beekeeper, raising bees and harvesting honey. But above all, Terry was an avid fisherman—something that stayed with him throughout his life.
He was a lifetime member of the Barren County Bassmasters, a member of Fisher of Men, and the Belden Fishing Club.
Terry is survived by his children: Angie Clements and husband Galen of Tompkinsville, Vivian Coomer of Moss, Tennessee, Terrill Taylor of Tompkinsville, and Haley Taylor of Summer Shade, one brother Phillip Taylor and his wife Debbie of Gamaliel, Grandchildren: Kaley Palmer (Cole), Brianna Ford (Harley), Broche Taylor (Haley Pitcock), Camby Huff (Connor) and Darby Clements, Great grandchildren: Paisleigh Palmer, Hadilyn, Creek, Bexley and Graham Rouse and Emmarie Ford and the mother of his children, Kaye Veach Taylor also survives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Mitchell and Mildred Maedean Taylor.
Terry will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love for the outdoors, and the quiet way he showed he cared. He found peace in the simple things—on the water, in the woods, and in the life he built.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from Bartley & Sons Funeral Home in Tompkinsville, with burial to follow in the Gamaliel Cemetery. Bro. Jerry Anderson will officiate the service.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday morning after 7:00 until the service time at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Funeral Home to assist with final expenses.
Pallbearers: Terrill Taylor, Chris Davis, Galen Clements, Connor Huff, Cole Palmer, Harley Ford, J.W. Coomer, and Broche Taylor
Honorary Pallbearers: Barren County Bassmasters, and former Belden Employees
Bartley & Sons Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Taylor and his family at this time.
Comments