Todd Taylor, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2023 at the age of 61 surrounded by his entire family. He courageously fought an unbeatable cancer diagnosis, never allowing fear to overshadow the hope in his heart. Some of his final moments were spent telling his family that heContinue Reading
Todd Taylor, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2023 at the age of 61 surrounded by his entire family. He courageously fought an unbeatable cancer diagnosis, never allowing fear to overshadow the hope in his heart. Some of his final moments were spent telling his family that he knew God’s arms were wrapped around him. Todd was a man of real saving faith demonstrated by his good works and his obedience to God.
Todd was the son of the late Robert Overton Taylor and Kay Smith Taylor. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Ann Henry Taylor of Greenville, South Carolina, as well as his daughter, Katie Nell McAlister and her husband, Gordon, his son, Brooks Taylor and his wife Cate, his son, Will Taylor, his daughter, Jenna Taylor, his grandson, Henry Taylor, his sister, Kaytina Haack, his brother, Shane Taylor and his wife Stefi, his father and mother-in-law Bill and Barbara Henry, his brother-in-law Paul Henry and his wife Wilma, and his eight nieces and nephews.
Born in 1961 in Louisville, Kentucky, Todd spent his early childhood moving throughout the Southeast with his family before settling in Greenville, South Carolina, where he met his wife, Ann, when he was just 16. They had a fairy tale love story that “you couldn’t make up”. Together, they had four children and built a life full of laughter, love, and endless memories. Todd would often let his family know that he “struck the lottery”. He loved to travel but always emphasized the importance of remembering where you came from, or as he and his mother would say, “remembering your roots”.
Todd was a man of balance, excelling both in his professional and personal life. After graduating from Winthrop University in 1983, he began his career in sales where he quickly rose through the ranks to Vice President, which took him and Ann to Southern California. His entrepreneurial spirit brought him back to Greenville, SC where he and his brother, Shane, took a risk and built their own business, Resident Update, which they grew into a successful media company with hundreds of employees.
After selling Resident Update, Todd spent more than 20 years in private equity as an Operating Advisor at Nautic Partners and later as a Partner at Falfurrias Capital. During this time, he sat on over ten boards where he demonstrated his expertise in and passion for mentoring other business leaders. Todd most recently launched his own fund in Greenville, Trident Digital, with his oldest son, Brooks.
Todd’s humility and principles were unwavering despite all of his success. He consistently prioritized relationships over accomplishments, and many of his most meaningful connections were formed through his business ventures. His vast network of dear friends formed throughout his career attests to his steadfast commitment to doing the right thing and treating others fairly.
Despite the demands of his career, Todd prioritized his family above all else. As a father, he went above and beyond, never missing a game or event and taking his kids to school every morning. He would often tease them with the prospect of ditching school for Carowinds. His kids turned to him regularly throughout their lives for personal and career advice, knowing he would always have the answer. Todd also cherished his friendships, always jumping at the chance to get in a round of golf with good friends and good humor. Todd would say, “I can’t explain it, but there’s no better feeling than walking down the fairway laughing with friends.”
Todd was a man with a strong will and a quick wit, but many would argue that the most memorable part of Todd was his big heart. He was always the first to shed a sentimental tear. He was the type of person who would help others behind the scenes, without expecting anything in return.
Todd’s family expresses their gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received from their community and beyond. They find peace knowing that Todd is relieved of his pain and watching over them from Heaven with his parents “Bob Bob” and “Kay Kay”. Although he is no longer physically with us, his legacy lives on through his wife, children, grandchildren, and the countless lives he touched.
A service will be held in honor of Todd at First Presbyterian Church at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, March 7 with a Celebration of Life to follow thereafter.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 200 W. Washington St., Greenville, SC 29601.