Joseph Edward Taylor, 86, known to friends and neighbors only as Joe Ed, passed from the bounds of this earth on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville, Kentucky.

He was born in Nebo, Kentucky, on September 21, 1937, to the late Joe Herald and Helen Byrum Taylor. A talented carpenter, handyman, and gardener, Joe Ed worked for 28 years at River Queen mine and followed up with almost 19 years with the Kentucky Department of Highways. He was a long-time member of the Grapevine Baptist Church. He will be missed by many.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Brian Taylor; and two brothers, Jerry Taylor and Charles Brown Taylor.

A loving husband, father, and Papa, Joe Ed is survived by Shelbia Taylor, his wife of 67 years; two sons, Eric (Debbie) Taylor and Darin Taylor; daughter-in-law, Emily Taylor; and grandchildren, Haylee (Brooks) Bennett, Grant (Rachael) Taylor, Dylan (Sarah) Buchanan, and Laura (Brad) West.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 22, 2023, at Grapevine Baptist Church in Madisonville with Pastor Mark Partin officiating. Burial to follow at Grapevine Cemetery. Harris Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour on Friday at the church.

Pallbearers are Eric Taylor, Darin Taylor, Andy Taylor, Brooks Bennett, Brad West, and Grant Taylor. Honorary pallbearers are Haylee Bennett, Rachel Taylor, Laura West, Dylan Buchanon, and Mark Troop.