Eric Richard Taylor

Eric Richard Taylor, 60, of Ocala, Florida, became one with Our Lord on July 3rd, 2023. Eric was born on January 2nd, 1963 to Larry Taylor and Carol Richardson in Peoria, Illinois. The family relocated to Florida when he was in middle school. After Eric graduated from St. John’s High School in Ocala, Florida in 1981, he went on to study business and play football at Concordia St. Paul College. He completed his degree at the University of Minnesota where he was a member of a fraternity. After graduating with a degree in business, he started with Winn Dixie, kick-starting a nearly 35-year career with the company. He worked in many stores around the greater Ocala area, making many friends, creating a legacy of success and developing protocols at new locations. In 1999, Eric met Misty at Ocala Word of Faith Church, where they were introduced in the singles group. They played co-ed softball together. Eric and Misty had a wonderful 23 years together in marriage, enjoying many trips and fellowship throughout their relationship. The couple had three children; Olivia, Elliott, and Rhema. Eric did a variety of things with his time, whether it was work, his service at Meadowbrook, or spending time with his family. He was an avid Jeep Driver and a motorcycle enthusiast. He loved to spoil his girls, including his wife. Eric loved college sports, specifically LSU, Florida, and Minnesota. He loved to plan trips to National Parks for his future retirement. Eric loved to serve others, working in different aspects within the church such as childcare, hospitality and ushering. He was also a member of small groups, having led multiple finance groups and men’s groups. Eric will be remembered as many things; a devoted husband, a loving father, a caring son and brother, a passionate Christian, a friend, a mentor, and an experienced beer connoisseur. Eric was predeceased by his father, Larry Taylor, and his son, Elliott Taylor. He is survived by his wife, Misty Taylor, his daughters, Olivia Roark and Rhema Taylor, his mother, Carol Richardson, his sister, Bryn Garr, and his faithful dog, Beaux. Services will be held at Meadowbrook Church on Friday, July 7th at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Meadowbrook Church, 4741 SW 20th St, Ocala, FL 34474, or Jesus Way Ranch, P.O. Box 3911, Ocala, FL 34478, two organizations that Eric held close to his heart.