CSM (Ret.) CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR

Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Christopher “Chris” Taylor was born February 9th, 1955, in Starkville, Mississippi to the late Willie Magruder and Divian Anna Taylor. He earned his wings on August 31st, 2024. Chris professed his faith in Jesus Christ and was a life-long member of Griffin United Methodist Church where he was a loyal and avid supporter. Chris’ education began in the Starkville public schools where he graduated from Starkville High School, Class of 1974. Chris later earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 2010 from Trident University International. Chris enlisted in the United States Army and served for over 30 years from September 1975 until his retirement in 2006. His stellar military career included multiple world-wide assignments with tours in Germany, Korea, across the United States, and operational deployments to Bosnia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. Chris held several distinguished leadership and teaching positions throughout his military career. He exemplified the Army core values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. After his retirement from the Army, Chris returned home and became an ardent member of the Starkville community. Chris served as the Public Relations Officer for the American Legion Post 240, past President of the Oktibbeha County Chapter of the NAACP, Substitute Teacher for the Starkville Public Schools, and Community Leader and Activist for countless causes to uplift people and improve his community. If there was anything happening around Starkville, Chris was there and involved. He was often the “go to” guy for just about anything. Also known as “King Bull”, Chris lived a vibrant life and loved his family and friends, especially his children and grandchildren. Chris never met a stranger and had the greatest impact on those he met, no matter how high or low their status in life, for Chris had the incredible gift to relate to anyone. He was the “life of the party” and loved to travel. Chris was always about, as in the famous New Orleans saying, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” (Let the good times roll). Chris was predeceased by his parents and five siblings: Willie Joan Taylor Larry, Magruder Taylor, George Lewis Taylor, Terry Taylor, and Karen Sue Taylor. Chris leaves to cherish his life are his loving children: Kentoria Denise Carter; Christopher Taylor, Jr.; Crystal Antoinette Taylor; and Michelle Alexis Taylor; his precious grandchildren: Alivia Jade Smith, Jasmine Alea Smith, and Quinton Darnell Smith, Jr. Also left to cherish his life are his siblings: Gertrude Elaine Taylor Darden (Bonzell), Mildred Inez Taylor Clark, Carl Ray Taylor (Greta), Deborah Bishop (Lawrence), Herman Drake, Lori Evans (Victor), Ross Hairston Williams (Diane), Peggy Regina Johnson, and Vennesha LaShondae Carpenter; and a whole host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and lifelong extended family Sadie Mae Taylor (Rieves) and Kathie Stromile Golden.

CSM (Ret.) CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR

February 9, 1955 - August 31, 2024