Harold "Spud" Kirvin Taylor
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Harold's obituary
Major Harold K. Taylor, USA Ret.
October 1, 1936 – October 4, 2025
Major Harold K. Taylor, USA Ret., 89, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025 in Suwanee, Georgia. He was born on October 1, 1936, in Sayre, Oklahoma, and grew up in Fritch, Texas. Harold proudly served his country in the United States Army, from 1958 to 1979. He served with distinction, in Vietnam, Korea, and Europe. A highly skilled Army Ranger and helicopter pilot, he exemplified bravery and dedication throughout his military career. His commendations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Bronze Star Medals (one with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with one Silver and two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Star and one Bronze Star. He also received the Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.
After retiring from the Army, Harold pursued a variety of endeavors, including owning a pawn shop and billiard parlor, raising cattle, and farming. He spent many years in Waverly Hall, Georgia, before retiring to Lake Martin, where he enjoyed boating, fishing, and the peace of lakeside living.
Harold was married to his beloved wife, Rita Carolyn Click Taylor, for 68 years until her passing in 2024. Together they built a lifetime of love and family.
He is survived by his sons, Steven Scott Taylor (wife Maria) of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Harold Keith Taylor (wife Patty) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and his grandchildren — Zachary (Lawrenceville, GA), Miranda (Panama City, FL), Dylan (Big Pine Key, FL), and Georgia (St. Augustine, FL).
Harold will be remembered for his courage, leadership, and devotion to his country, as well as for his love of family and the simple pleasures of life. His legacy endures in the values he lived by and the lives he touched.
He will be laid to rest at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia sometime in 2026.
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