With deep sorrow, we announce that Richard Michael "Mike" Taylor, age 79, was called home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tennessee.

Born on February 13, 1947, in Odessa, Texas, to Lewis Maxwell Taylor and Mary Evelyn Purifoy Taylor, Mike's roots in his hometown ran deep. It was at First Baptist Church in Odessa where he first accepted Jesus as his Savior, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and service.

Mike's professional life was spent in the oil and gas industry, a career that began in the early 1970s and spanned several decades in various capacities. His personal life was equally steadfast; he and his wife, Libby, were married for 52 years, building a life together that began with their wedding at Morningstar Fellowship Church on February 26, 1974.

In their younger years, Mike and Libby shared an adventurous spirit, traveling the country from Washington State to Florida, and even Venezuela. These travels provided a lifetime of intriguing stories that they loved to share with friends. After raising their children, Michael and Erin, in Odessa and Louisiana, the couple eventually followed them to Tennessee to enjoy a peaceful retirement in the lush landscape of Middle Tennessee.

Throughout his adult life, Mike remained dedicated to serving Jesus. Alongside Libby, he taught marriage classes and mentored many through the Celebration Recovery program. His legacy of faith and mentorship will be long remembered by those he guided.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Libby; his son, Michael, and wife Erin (Visser) Taylor of Goodlettsville, TN; and his daughter, Erin (Taylor) Vaughn and husband Thomas Vaughn of Camas, WA. He was the proud grandfather to Austin Standefer, Parker Taylor, and Avery Taylor, and a dear uncle to eight nieces and nephews.

In accordance with his clear wishes, no memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Alive Hospice Residence of Nashville at https://www.alivehospice.org/get-involved/give/ or by mail: 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203.