Fallen Hero: BG Lawrence Knox Taylor, Sr (Ret) - National Guard Association of Mississippi

In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.

Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on September 14, 2023, and has moved on to his heavenly home. BG Lawrence Taylor Sr (Ret), age 94, who had served in the MSARNG within the 213th Medical Brigade has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.

It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace Soldier. We applaud your patriotism and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright and live so free.

You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.

Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.

Obituary, Visitation, and Service details:

Lawrence Knox Taylor passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023, at his home in Richland, MS. He was 94 years old. The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:00 p.m-7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 18, 2023, and again on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence. A graveside service will follow at Richland City Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday.

Lawrence was born August 24,1929 in Jackson, MS. Graduated from Central High School class of 1948, and married his Jr High school sweetheart Mary Nell Pierce in December 1948. Lawrence was a lifetime resident of Richland, MS and raised his family on the family land he grew up on. Lawrence’s military career spanned over forty years and started in the MS State Guard at the age of 16. He was employed full time with the MS National Guard as the Administrative Officer and Chief of Staff of the 213th Medical Brigade. Lawrence was promoted to Brigadier General, MS National Guard, upon his retirement in 1985. Lawrence was a lifetime member of the National Guard Assn. Of MS and served on numerous committees and the Board of Directors throughout his years of service. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church Richland, the America Legion post 110, Wahaki Shrine Scottish Rite and a Charter member of the Masons, Plain Lodge.

Throughout his lifetime Lawrence helped others by serving his community. He was the Past President and Secretary of the former Plain Lions Club, served on the first Board of Alderman for the City of Richland, Richland School Board, Richland Water & Sewer Board, Richland Cemetery Board, Richland Board of Directors, Richland Exchange Club, Pearl River Basin Development District, Rankin County Jury Selection Board, and was appointed to serve an unexpired term as supervisor District 1 Rankin County. After retirement Lawrence traveled extensively for pleasure and in support of his granddaughter’s rodeo participation. His love of horses and the rodeo encouraged her to barrel racing and to take part in Rodeo Queen competitions.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents Luther Knox & Ida Margaret Wilson Taylor, wife Mary Nell, sister Nancy Brame Capps and grandson Greg Taylor. Lawrence is survived by two sons, COL (Ret) Lawrence (Larry) K. Taylor Jr (Wanda), Kenneth (Ken) L. Taylor (Susie), grandson Blake Taylor, granddaughter Hanna Taylor Bilbro (Cole), great grandchildren Layla Taylor, Lodi Bilbro, Prescott Bilbro, and friend and companion Leatha Hall.

Memorials may be made to Richland Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 180179, Richland, MS 39218 or Wahaki Shrine Hospital Transportation Fund, P.O. Box 2750, Jackson, MS 39207.