Richard J. (Dick) Taylor died Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, after a long illness.
He was a local resident of Murphy and member of Murphy First United Methodist Church, where he served as vice president of United Methodist Men.
Dick was born in Lansing, Mich., on June 26, 1942, the son of Brig. Gen. (retired) John M. Taylor and Helen A Taylor.
He graduated from Sexton High School, Michigan State University and University of Florida College of Law.
Dick served three years in the U.S. Army as finance officer stationed in Germany from 1968-71 when he was honorably discharged obtaining a military rank of captain.
A resident of Sarasota, Fla., for over 40 years, Dick was the managing general partner of the law firm of Taylor, Lawless and Singer PA and served as Assistant City and City Attorney of Sarasota for over 35 years from 1976 until his retirement in 2008. Dick was honored and given the key to the City of Sarasota in 2006 having provided legal services and guidance to the City of Sarasota during its unprecedented growth and development in the 1980s and 1990s.
He was a friend of First Congregational United Church of Christ of Sarasota and a member of the Florida Bar Association.
After 40-plus years of the sun and surf environment, he retired to the mountains in Murphy in 2010.
Dick was devoted to family, a wonderful provider and cared deeply for his wife, sons, family and dogs. His sense of humor included the ability to laugh at himself as well as life’s encounters and brought joy to many he interacted with.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Katharine; son John Mitchell II (fiancee Kimberly Anne); son, Richard Mackey (Zeida); brother, Brig. Gen, (retired) Robert Vern (Cindy); sister, Patricia Ann Maloney (Steve); five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was blessed and will be missed.
Services will be held in Murphy, followed by a second service/celebration of life in Sarasota TBD.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Murphy First United Methodist Church or Valley River Humane Society.