Gene "Red" Taylor

Charles Eugene Taylor, affectionately known as" Gene" or "Red, 83, of Trenton, Tennessee, died on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at West Tennessee Healthcare Milan Hospital in Milan, Tennessee.

Born Sunday, November 23, 1941, in Newbern, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Thomas Lee Taylor, Sr. and the late Mattie Lou Laton Taylor.

He was a proud veteran, Gene served his country with honor in the United States Army, retiring after over twenty-one  years of dedicated service. His time in the military was a point of deep pride, and he carried the values of duty, respect, and integrity with him throughout his life.

After retiring from the Army, Gene returned to his roots in Dyer County, Tennessee—a place he always held dear. He resumed working life as a truck driver, first with J.B. Hunt and later with Tosh Farms. Gene found purpose and fulfillment behind the wheel, continuing to serve in his own way by helping keep America moving.

Born into a large and loving family, Gene never lost touch with the importance of where he came from. Family, faith, and fellowship were the cornerstones of his life. He was a member of the Cornerstone Church of God.

Gene will be remembered for his unwavering loyalty, his strong work ethic, and the deep love he had for his family, friends, and country.

Funeral services for Mr. Taylor will be held at 12:30 PM on Friday, May 30, 2025, in the Chapel of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home. Officiating this service will be Mr. Jerome Wright. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Newbern, Tennessee. Visitation will be held on Friday from 10:30 AM until 12:30 PM at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.

He is survived by his stepdaughter, Amanda Clark of Trenton, Tennessee; one son, Ricky Taylor  (Jeff)of Dyersburg, Tennessee; one sister, Janie Mansfield of Dyersburg, Tennessee; he was "Grand-Daddy" to his five grandchildren, Jason Payne, Michael Payne, Cody Ward, Ty Ward and Sofia Barnes; four great-grandchildren, Carly, Taylor, Hudson and Jace and one great-great grandchildren, Layne.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Baker Taylor; one daughter, Sherry Payne; three brothers, William "Bill" Taylor, Thomas Lee Taylor, Jr. and Hugh Taylor; two half-brothers, Riley Taylor and Richard Taylor, four sisters, Virginia Hanks, Elizabeth Stephens, Louise Watson and Ammie Culley and one great-grandson, Jordan Lee Payne.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnson-williamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Gene "Red" Taylor.

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