Terry Wayne Taylor

A Man who with his steady calm, handsome smile, incredible humor, and immeasurable integrity could make everyone around him feel safe, loved, and comfortable. Terry was born in Bossier City, Louisiana, to Billy Taylor, a Retired Airforce Master Sergeant and his mother, Marion Taylor, who kept the family strong through years of travel and adventure. Terry spent his early years with his parents and siblings moving from base to base, living in Spain and Puerto Rico - where he discovered his lifelong love of the outdoors, the ocean, surfing, and fishing until his family settled in Yakima, Washington. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard at 17 ½ and was stationed in Guam during the Vietnam War. He served with pride and humor, entering as an El and (as he liked to joke) leaving as an E1 - proof that rank doesn't measure heart. After his service, Terry returned home to Yakima, where he married the love of his life, Vicky Taylor. The two shared 50 years of love and adventure - weathering life's storms together and never giving up on their commitment to one another. Together they raised three daughters, Melissa, Nichole, and Jamie. Terry worked hard to provide for his family as an ironworker, helping build structures all across the Pacific Northwest. He came home every day blackened, sore, tired from long hours, but always with a smile for his girls, who would run to meet him at the door, ready to pull off his boots. Terry taught his daughters many things though he always said he wasn't a teacher. He led by example teaching them of honor, integrity, and commitment. He loved big and always disciplined with a gentle hand and logic. He was slow to anger and quick to forgive. He was his children's everything, their constant, their rock, their safe place, their calm in the storm, their nurturer, their "Daddy". He taught his girls how to love unconditionally, how to have fun, and how to stay strong through all life's challenges. When Terry wasn't working, Terry could be found doing what he loved most: watching a good black and white western, Mash, or Andy Griffith, a good Stand-up comedy Show, or an Old War Flick with his family nearby. He enjoyed a day on the water, a day at the beach, being behind a boat, fishing or pulling his kids on an inner tube "always with the challenge to stay on". He loved Camping and being in the mountains, Crystal hunting, or staying home just listening to music. You could often find him strumming his guitar serenading his wife and kids sounding every bit like "The King." As he truly was the King of his Castle. Terry was the kind of man who made people feel better just by being in the room. He was humble, funny, and good-natured - a man who didn't take himself too seriously but took care of everyone else. He loved animals (they loved him right back), especially his German Shepherd Brutus, who brought him joy and companionship. He wasn't a man of material wants, but one of simple pleasures. He built his life around what mattered - Family, love, laughter, loyalty, and integrity and prior to his passing he had come back to his relationship with Jesus Christ. He was the calm in any storm, the laughter in the room, the guy everyone trusted, and the one cracking a joke just when you needed it most. He was the rock, the protector, the fun, and the heart of his family. The king of his castle, the light that shined the brightest, and the man who showed us all what it means to show up and to live with kindness, laughter, and love. He was a true definition of "A MAN". A Man made under the likeness of God. A Man of Caliber. He will be forever immeasurably loved, endlessly missed, and impossible to forget. Somewhere out there, we know he's got a fishing pole in one hand, a rum and coke in the other, and a lake full of inner tubes waiting for their next victims. He is survived by his beloved wife Vicky Taylor, His three daughters, Melissa Miles, Nichole Taylor, and Jamie Taylor-Gardenhire. He also leaves behind, nine grandchildren who adored their Papa, his sister Vicky Snider, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, son-in laws, as well as lifelong friends. He loved all of you unconditionally. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Bill and Marion Taylor, His brother Larry Taylor, His beloved Nephews, and Numerous Aunts, Uncles and Dear Friends. Our Family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of those involved in his care and did so with compassion and grace, to the Behnke Family House in Seattle for wonderful and compassionate accommodations during such a difficult time and to all of our friends and family for all of your thoughts and prayers. A private service and celebration of life will be held for close members of the family and cherished friends

Terry Wayne Taylor

April 20, 1956 - October 22, 2025