Terry Lee Taylor

Terry Lee “Papa” Taylor passed away on January 29, 2022 in Macon, Georgia, encircled by his wife and daughters.  He was 73 years old.

Terry was born in Waycross, GA in 1948 to Floyd and Velma Taylor.  He attended Gilchrist Park Elementary School, and graduated from Waycross High School, where he played football, won STAR student and Senior Superlative, and served as Class President.  He started his college career at Georgia Tech, but he soon transferred to Louisiana State University, where he attended with his younger brother Bruce and earned a degree in Sociology.

His first job out of school was with the Waycross Department of Family and Children’s Services, where he met the love of his life, Janelle.  They married in April of 1972. Terry moved to the Social Security Administration in 1974, and worked there for 37 years, retiring as Assistant Manager.  He was a careful and diligent employee, and a competitor: he watched office productivity and quality metrics, and pushed his office to outperform others.  He received several awards and recognitions for the Tifton Social Security office’s performance and his leadership in the state.

Terry was an active father to his two daughters, Hope and Jessica.  He coached them in softball, was a “Choral Parent”, was a church-camp cook, and went along on mission trips.  He did NOT, however, teach them how to drive!

In 2011 Terry retired from the SSA, and was able to spend more time on his interests.  He joined the Exchange Club and won the Joy Hill Bids for Kids Award in 2019.  He spent a tremendous amount of time working in his yard, which was selected as Beauty Spot of the Month in October of 2021.  He was active in his church, St. Anne’s Episcopal, and so loved Bible Study that he participated in more than one per week.  Terry was a benevolent man, giving funds to many causes he felt strongly about. He was passionate about politics and volunteered as a poll monitor.  He also enjoyed rekindling many friendships with his old Waycross friends.

Particularly in the last 18 years, Terry loved spending time with his five grandchildren.  He played games with them, took them fishing, watched movies with them and laughed with them. He was a wonderful storyteller and often entertained the children with his funny antics. He wanted the best for them and was always giving them sound advice.

In the last 2 years of his life, Terry was treated for an indeterminate cancer.  He underwent several surgeries and chemotherapy.  Ultimately, he contracted Covid-19, and his body was too overwhelmed to combat it.

Terry is survived by his beloved wife, Janelle; his daughters and sons-in-law, Hope and Neil Norman of Richmond, VA and Jessica and Jason Niederkorn of Perry, GA; his grandchildren Jordyn Niederkorn, Treva Norman, Tate Niederkorn, Liam Norman, and Ty Niederkorn; his brother, Michael Bruce Taylor; and his number one dog Ginger.  Terry made a large impact through the life that he lived and his family and friends will miss him eternally.

Visitation will be at 1 PM to 2:30 PM on Saturday, February 5 at St. Anne's Episcopal Church in the main chapel. Services will follow in the same location at 3 PM. Interment of the ashes will follow the service at St. Anne's Memorial Garden. Donations in Terry’s name may be made to St. Anne’s Discretionary Fund (PO Box 889, Tifton, GA 31793).

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

You may watch the service live on St. Anne's face book page at facebook.com/stannestifton or on you tube at youtube.com/stannestifton.