Major Thomas L. Taylor, United States Army (Retired) passed away on April 28, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Tom was born in Chipley, Florida, the youngest child of Angus and Etta Taylor. At a very early age, he realized he didn't want to remain in the farming community and joined the army during the Korean conflict. He had to "fudge" a bit about his age and enlisted as a 15 year old private and was serving in Korea as a Combat Medic at the age of 16. In February 1953, he returned stateside to continue his career. While on leave in Marianna, Florida, he met the love of his life, Betty Jo Mitchell. After a brief relationship, they went their separate ways until their paths crossed again in June, 1956. In October 1956 they became husband and wife and celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary last October. Tom often commented he hoped he could make it to 60.

After Tom's return from Korea he served in Central Florida as an Army Recruiter; in Germany as a Combat Engineer; and then as an Advisor to the Army Reserves in Binghamton, New York. While in New York, he applied to Officer's Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. After completion of OCS, he was assigned to Fort Jackson in March 1963 as a Second Lieutenant. Tom served in several capacities at Fort Jackson before receiving orders in 1966 for a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was very pleased to be assigned to the 1st Battalion of the 28th Infantry (Black Lions) which was part of the 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One). During his time there the Battalion received the Presidential Unit Citation, a very rare award. In April 2014, by order of the Secretary of the Army, Tom was designated a "Distinguished Member of the 28th Infantry Regiment-DMOR". Tom often quoted the 1st Division motto "Duty First" to his children and friends.

At the end of his first tour in Vietnam, he attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha to finish his Undergraduate Degree in Business Administration. In 1968 Tom received orders for a tour of duty in Thailand. Shortly after returning, he was promoted to the rank of Major and assigned to the position of Chief of Fort Jackson Community Services. In 1971 he returned to Vietnam for a second tour in the Kim Benh District (Mekong Delta) to serve as a District Senior Advisor.

After five assignments outside the United States, and many mandatory schools in between, Tom made the difficult decision to retire in March 1973 with 22 years of service.

Tom received many service awards during his military career to include: Combat Medical Badge-Korea, Combat Infantry Badge-Vietnam, five Bronze Stars, the Army Commendation Medal, The Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Paratrooper's Badge.

After retiring from the Army, Tom worked for several financial institutions setting up retirement planning for customers. At the same time he was attending the University of South Carolina to earn his Master's Degree in Public Administration. He then decided to take the big leap and go into business for himself. He and his partner, Jacky Stirling, formed a brokerage operation, Beacon Group, on St Julian Place which is now in its 26th year of successful operation. Tom retired from the business last year.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; their children, Lisa Sigler (Casey), and Tom Taylor, Jr. Lisa and Casey are the parents of granddaughters, Leslie and Taylor. He is also survived by his daughter, Jan Sprowls (Bill) of Asheville, NC and grandchildren Brandi, Bill (Stacie) and Dustin. Brandi is the mother of Kayla and Riley; Bill and Stacie are the parents of Sydney and Madison.

Tom is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, siblings and a granddaughter, Shelby Sprowls.

Tom and his family have lived in Northeast Columbia since moving here many years ago. Several years ago they built their dream home in Woodcreek Farms. Tom often spoke about how much he loved the location and the tremendous friendships he had made in the neighborhood. He enjoyed reading, watching Fox News, helping his friends and neighbors and being at home with his wife, Betty.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Northeast Presbyterian Church, 601 Polo Road, Columbia SC 29223; SC Oncology Center, 166 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia SC 29210 or Sister Care, PO box 1029, Columbia SC 29202. Donations may also be made to the charity of one's choice.

Very special thanks to Dr. Mohamed El Geneidy and Dr. Bart Witherspoon of the SC Oncology Center for their superb care of Tom. Sincere thanks are in order for Garland Ames, NP; Cheryl Robinson, CNA and Peggy Kelly in the oncology areas and the radiation staff. They always went the extra mile to ensure Tom received excellent treatment.

A funeral service will be held at 12 o'clock, Tuesday, May 3rd at Northeast Presbyterian Church, 601 Polo Road, Columbia SC with Dr. George D. Crow, III officiating. Burial will follow at 1 o'clock in Fort Jackson National Cemetery. A brief visitation will be held following the committal. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.