Terry Dale Taylor

Obituary For Terry Dale Taylor

Terry Dale Taylor passed away peacefully with his family by his side on February 24, 2026, in Marietta, Georgia. He was 66 years old.

Born on January 11, 1960, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Terry was the beloved son of William Dale Taylor of Greeley, Colorado, and Reba Jean Taylor of Franklin, Georgia. From an early age, Terry developed the grit and determination that would define his life. He graduated from North Springs High School in Sandy Springs, Georgia. During his high school days, he met the love of his life from a rival school, who became his high school sweetheart and lifelong partner, Lesli Malloy. They married in 1985, just one month shy of 41 years of marriage, and shared a beautiful life together for 48 years.

Known affectionately by friends as “Mr. Cool,” Terry carried himself with quiet confidence, strength, and unmistakable presence. But beyond the nickname was a man whose heart beat fiercely for his family. Lesli describes him as the greatest gift in her life, the man who gave her their three treasured children and built a life centered around them. Their happiest days were spent in the stands and on the sidelines, faithfully following Lindsay, Drew, and Matt in every endeavor—especially sports, which became the heartbeat of their family memories.

Terry’s children were his pride and joy and that is seen in their recollections and memories of their father.

Lindsay, his eldest, remembers that although he didn’t always express it in words, he loved fiercely and deeply. He would give the shirt off his back to someone in need, and often did—quietly helping friends and others who were struggling, never seeking recognition.

Drew recalls a father who showed love in the ways he knew how—through action, loyalty, and unwavering presence. He taught his children to work hard, to be tough, and never to back down. Terry was, in Drew’s words, the toughest person he ever knew—both from stories of his younger years and from witnessing his father’s strength through physical and mental battles later in life. No matter the situation, Terry was there. If his phone rang, he answered. If his family needed him, he showed up.

Matt reflects on his father’s life as a journey up Mount Everest—filled with ups and downs, grueling climbs and hard-earned victories. From his father, he learned grit, resilience, and perseverance, but also kindness, compassion, and unconditional love. Terry’s “why” was always his family. Through every hardship, especially in recent years as he valiantly fought various illnesses following COVID, his fight was fueled by his love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. In his final moments, surrounded by those he loved most, it was clear that he was a rich man—not in possessions, but in purpose, devotion, and love.

Terry was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a loving grandfather. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and beloved wife, Lesli Malloy Taylor; his three children: Lindsay Taylor Hazard (Jordan Hazard), Drew Dale Taylor, and Matt Malloy Taylor; and his three incredible grandchildren, Nathaniel Taylor Barbosa, Jaxon Andrew Taylor, and Era Taylor Hazard. His pride in each of them—their uniqueness, their accomplishments, and the people they are becoming—knew no bounds.

Terry loved watching his children play sports, cheering passionately during college football games, and spending time lifting weights. He carried a strong work ethic throughout his life and instilled that same determination in his children. He fought his final battles with courage and grit, supported every step of the way by the family who meant everything to him.

Terry’s journey was not always easy, but it was meaningful. He climbed every mountain for his family, and in the end, he was surrounded by his “why.” His strength, loyalty, and love will live on in the lives of those he shaped and the family he cherished above all else.

An intimate celebration of life will be held with family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Terry’s honor to organizations that provided care and support during his courageous journey: UPMC Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease (donate.upmc.com), the American Lung Association (action.lung.org), or ILD Collaborative (declarative.org/support).

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