Benjamin Cole Taylor , age 45, passed away January 1, 2024, at his home in Dripping Springs, Texas.

Ben was born in Bridgeport, Texas to Elbert Larry Taylor and Ruth Ann Winans Taylor on August 27, 1978.  He attended school in Paradise, Texas.  He graduated from the University of North Texas (UNT) in Denton, Texas receiving a degree in Criminal Justice.  Ben became a Certified Arborist specializing in Oak Wilt Treatment.  He loved being outdoors and his job allowed him to do just that.

As a child, he attended church with his grandmother Ruth who led him to baptism at the First Baptist Church in Cottondale, Texas.

He is fondly remembered by many for being the first person to help out when needed.  He delivered hay, cut down trees, helped clean, and would help any of us as needed. He has even donated his hair to Locks of Love.

He is known for being a comedian and part-time clown.  He was always looking for the funny angle.  He made everyone in the room laugh.  Especially when he showed up in a tuxedo t-shirt for an event.  Ben was definitely loud. He would pick up Sarah or Micah from school while honking repeatedly and yelling from the window.  Everyone laughed.

Ben liked to read Clive Cussler books and reading with Liam.  He liked watching movies, football, and sci fi on the TV.  Ben spent his last week on earth with his family playing games and eating.  He helped Micah grill our Taylor family dinner for Christmas this year.  We all know he loved to cook outside and eat like a king.

Ben's life was dedicated to raising his son, Liam.  He was his pride and joy.  He was full of love for his family and friends, but especially Liam.  Ben and Liam would hang out together and play putt-putt and pickleball.  They both love to be outside and would take walks in the woods behind his trailer.  They would watch video games and movies together.  And Liam always told us about the poker games with Ben and his Grandpa Tommy.  Every day was an adventure together.

Even though we didn't expect this so soon, Ben would want this to be a celebration of life.  He lived life to the fullest and so should we.  We will not forget all our cherished memories of Ben and what he meant to us.

Preceding him in death is his grandmother Ruth Winans Narramore and his father Elbert Larry Taylor.

He is survived by his son Liam Elbert Taylor of Johnson City, Texas, mother Ruth Ann Winans Taylor, his brother Jason Levi Taylor, his sister Erika Ann Taylor-Garnett and husband John, all from Decatur, Texas, nephew Micah Allen Taylor and wife Lindsey of Roanoke, Texas, niece Sarah Anne Taylor of Decatur, Texas.  And don't forget his Lil Girl Lily-she will miss Ben terribly too.

Those remaining close to his heart, SuAnne Ramirez, Mary Holt, Tommy Haydon, Jeremiah Howard, Cody Gee, and Kelly DeWitt.

A memorial service celebrating Ben's life will be held in the Chapel of Crofts-Crow Funeral Home, in Johnson City, Texas, Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM.