Larry Julian Taylor, age 87, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026. He was born on April 17,1938, in Maryville, Tennessee, to Lloyd Edward and Herdage Baker Taylor. Larry was a 1956 graduate of Maryville High School and studied electrical engineering at the University of Tennessee.

In 1964, he married Peggy Martin Taylor. After 61 years of marriage, he followed her to heaven only 26 days after she left this earth. They are now reunited forever.

Larry and his brother Gene owned and operated Taylor Mobile Homes for many years. He was an outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, and spending time on the lake. He cherished the East Tennessee mountains and often took his family on Sunday drives to sit beside a stream, picnic in Cades Cove, or wander along a trail to look for waterfalls. Eventually, Larry and Peggy made their home on the lake, where they enjoyed evening boat rides to watch the sun set and check on the nesting osprey.

Lifelong Tennessee Vol fans, Larry and Peggy held both football and basketball season tickets for decades and, in later years, never missed watching the games on television. He was an instrument-rated private pilot and often flew for business and pleasure, including trips with Peggy to games to cheer on the Vols.

Larry and Peggy traveled to many foreign countries, but he especially treasured family trips to the beach, to the Caribbean, to Hawaii, and to Alaska on a special trip with his son Randy and brother Gene.

Larry’s true love was his family. He and Peggy were blessed with two children, two grandchildren, and a great-grandson. Larry adored being “Papaw” to Taylor and Sophie. He delighted in giving them rides on Papaw’s “tractor” (lawnmower), helping them fish, and taking them for rides on the boat. Larry had a great sense of humor and loved teasing everyone around him. He was very proud of his family and always enjoyed sharing stories about them with anyone who would listen.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife Peggy; his parents; and his brother Gene Taylor. He is survived by his daughter Tammy Taylor Blaine and her husband Alec; his son Randy Taylor and his wife Teresa; his grandson Taylor and his wife Caroline; his granddaughter Sophie; his great-grandson Caldwell; his sister Marilyn Williams and her husband Glenn; his niece Kristi Barber and her husband Ken; and his nephews, Bryce and Blaine Barber.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Brookdale Browns Creek and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on February 7, 2026, at 11:00 am, at Grandview Pavilion, 2304 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, Tennessee, 37803. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Friends of the Smokies.

Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com