Donald “Dinky” Elliott Taylor, age 64, of Sylvania, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on October 1, 2026.
Dinky was born to Joe Lester Taylor and Kathleen Mock Taylor. He proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard from 1986 until 2005, dedicating many years of his life to serving others. During his military service, he served as an FV Infantryman and Automated Logistical Specialist and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. He also spent 15 years serving in the Middle East. While serving his country, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He was honored with the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device.
Dinky was a hardworking and determined man who took great pride in everything he did. He loved sports, hunting, fishing, and, perhaps most of all, his food. He loved cooking food, taking pictures of food, sending pictures of food, talking about food, and, most importantly, eating it with his wife, family, and friends. He also loved bragging about Kathy’s cooking and was always proud to tell others how wonderfully she could cook. He also loved being the “Bossman,” a title that suited him perfectly.
Above all else, Dinky was a devoted and loving husband. He was an attentive, faithful, and deeply loving husband to his wife, Kathy Holder Taylor. For 36 years, he loved her near and far—even during his time in the Middle East. He lovingly referred to Kathy as his “Angel 100,” while Kathy affectionately called him “Daddy Rabbit.” These special names reflected the unique bond and deep love they shared. He gave Kathy the security, steadiness, love, and devotion that her heart longed for. He treated his wife like his most prized possession, and their love was a beautiful part of his life.
Dinky loved his entire family and took great pride in the accomplishments of those he loved. He was always interested in what everyone was doing, celebrating the hard work and achievements of his nieces and nephews. Together, Kathy and Dinky had 51 nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in their hearts. Dinky was proud of them, talked about them often, and made sure their accomplishments were known.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 36 years, Kathy Holder Taylor; his siblings, Joe Taylor (Donna), Dorsey Taylor (Linda), Wanda Woodcock (Allen), and Cecelia Lee; and his 51 nieces and nephews. He will also be deeply missed by his extended family and countless friends who were blessed to know him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kathleen Mock Taylor and Joe Lester Taylor; and his sisters, Patsy Taylor Clark and Virginia Ann Wilson.
Dinky leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, laughter, and love. He will be remembered as a soldier, a hardworking man, a devoted husband, a proud family member, a lover of good food and good times, and, of course, the “Bossman.”
