Sam H. Taylor, Jr

September 13, 1957 - February 18, 2016

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness. Sam Hugh Taylor, Jr., 58, Johnson City, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at the Johnson City Medical Center following a brief illness. A native of Washington County, he was the son of Carolyn Leonard Taylor, Johnson City, and the late Sam H. Taylor, Sr. He was a member of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church. Sam graduated from Science Hill High School in 1975, where he was an excellent basketball player. He had offers of scholarships to Junior Colleges, but his dream was to play for the University of Tennessee. Sam went as a walk on, made the team and played on the Jr. Varsity and Varsity teams. He loved all sports, but basketball was his passion. In the last few years, Sam loved going back to UT for football games. He kept in contact with the sports thru his umpiring and refereeing adult and youth basketball and softball. Sam also had a love for animals and trained horses for a few years, and was currently managing a farm. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Sam and Martha Anderson Taylor, and his maternal grandparents, Delmas and Pearl Huffine Leonard. In addition to his mother, Sam is survived by his son, Sam H. Taylor, III and wife Retha; his daughter, Kellie Ritsco and husband Ed; his sister, Karen T. Norris and husband Michael; his granddaughter, Ella Grace Ritsco; two nieces, Heather R. Norris and Caroline M. Norris; several loving aunts, uncles and cousins; and his fiancé, Monica Jackson. The funeral service will be conducted Monday, February 22, 2016, at 2:00 P.M., from the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home with Rev. C. Mark Goodin and Pastor Randy Hensley, officiating. Special music will be provided by Peggy Lanzon, Pianist, and The Reverend Douglas Grove-Dejarnett, soloist. Interment will follow in Monte Vista Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Bill Darden, Galen Droke, Luther Gillespie, Michael Hall, Mickey Leonard, Morgan Littleford, Rick McKinney, Mike Norris, Gary Presnell, Ed Ritsco and Lynn Taylor, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Elvin Little and Lynn Taylor, Sr. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00-2:00 P.M. in the East Parlor of the funeral home and other times at the residence of his mother, Carolyn Taylor. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net. Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, is serving the Taylor family. (928-6111) Order Flowers Service DetailsMonday, February 22nd, 2016 2:00pm, Appalachian Funeral Home- East Chapel Interment DetailsMonte Vista Memorial Park