Tyler Colins Taylor

Tyler Colins Taylor passed unexpectedly on January 30, 2024, having spent the previous hours surrounded by his dearest friends and love of his life. Tyler was 33 years young and resided in Memphis, TN with his wife, Jesse Taylor, and their cunning canines. His dog son is most likely eating out of the fridge while you read this, after having raided their pantry. Born in Memphis, TN, he spent his youth at Harding Academy of Memphis roughhousing on the dirt pile, wrestling, playing football, and singing baritone in Acapella. Following his time in Nashville for university, he began his true passion of tending the earth. His journey as a master cultivator carried his talents from Tennessee to Oregon and back. He returned clothed with expertise in propagation and farm management to start another chapter. This was not the true purpose of his return, however. In truth, he was drawn home to true passion: his bride. Upon his re-entry to Memphis, the two began growing the garden of their lives together. They orchestrated successful community gardens in the University district. When the two inhabited a space, it flourished. Wherever Tyler built a garden, so too did he build community, bringing men and women of all ages and walks together. His dedication to his craft had no limits, as he spent a brief stint of his story sleeping in the wilderness in Halls, TN, growing plants and tending to baby goats as a modern-day shepherd. Later, he would take to nurturing the greenhouses of the Memphis Botanic Gardens. Tyler Taylor held many roles in his time. A natural performer, he inhabited the roles of loving husband, dedicated friend, feisty son, passionate little brother, loving uncle, entrepreneur, cultivator, outdoorsman, and a myriad of others. He would often be caught dropping off plants and flowers in someone’s yard quietly because he thought the yard needed elevating or the recipient needed a little pep in their step. He brought joy to physical, mental, and emotional landscapes for his people. His desire to encourage others never diminished. If there was a plant present on the earth, Tyler could work with it. He would speak with fire hose-esque energy about a plant and its origins, so much so that the listener might forget it was a leafy structure and not a rare jewel fit for a king. His ability to sow and foster extended far beyond horticulture, as Tyler was known for his ability to create community and authentic friendship. His extension of a smile and clever joke would reel in any passerby who might need a pal. Little did they know that once Tyler cast his smirk or gave one of his famous bear hugs, they entered a world of never-ending compassion and care. The newly grown friendship would forever be showered with love, support, jokes, memes, raw honesty, and laughter. He cultivated plants and humans both to their next level of growth with his love and energy. Tyler’s joie de vivre can be summed up through a quote from one of his favorite movies: “Life finds a way.” Tyler leaves behind a loving Taylor tribe: Jesse (wife), Mark (father) Stephanie (mother), Kyle (brother), Cindy (sister-in-law), Naomi (niece), Myra (niece) and a host of friends and family who will think fondly of him every time they see a tree in bud or a flower in bloom. There will be a memorial celebration at the Sycamore View Church of Christ in Memphis, TN on Monday February 5th from 6 - 8 pm. Tyler will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with family on Thursday, February 8th at Larkspur Conservation Preserve in Westmoreland TN. https://larkspurconservation.org Following the burial on Thursday evening Tyler’s Nashville friends are invited to remember Tyler and visit with his family in Nashville at the “Back Corner” - 5TH & Taylor Nashville from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. In honor of Tyler’s life and wishes; In lieu of flowers Jesse requests that donations be made to the Larkspur Conservation Preserve. Native Flowers will be sourced for planting at the burial site. What to expect at a natural burial: Dress for an outdoor hike and wear appropriate shoes. Use the restroom before you arrive, there is no public toilet or running water. Carpool to Larkspur - parking is limited. Plan to arrive 15 minutes ahead of time. Family and friends will be welcomed at the trailhead by Larkspur staff and volunteers. The casket or body will be in place at the graveside prior to the arrival of family and friends. Family and friends will hike up the hill into the nature preserve for the burial ceremony. Words are shared and the casket or body is lowered into the grave by family and friends. With guidance the family and friends shovel soil into the grave until it is closed. Hike away from the graveside and return to your vehicle or explore the preserve. Leave no trash behind. Cut flowers are welcome.

Tyler Colins Taylor

July 22, 1990 - January 30, 2024