Mark David Taylor's Obituary
On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, Mark David Taylor, beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend, passed away unexpectedly at home from natural causes.
Mark was born in Dallas, Texas on February 4, 1966, and was a beautiful soul from the very beginning. With his sparkling blue eyes, soft curly locks, sweet smile, and easy laugh, he quickly endeared himself to all who knew him. As a little boy, Mark was well known for his gentle and happy-go-lucky nature.
He spent a portion of his childhood years traveling internationally with his family to Italy, Greece, Israel, Thailand, even living for a time in Tehran, Iran. A lifelong love of travel ensued, fueling his curiosity about other cultures, cuisines, and customs.
Early in his life it became clear he was developing a love for the culinary arts (yes, he began cooking breakfast for his family at age 8), and Mark set about crafting a career as a Chef. He worked for fine restaurants in cities such as Charlotte, Richmond, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Ft. Myers/Sanibel Island, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Atlanta, and Dallas, even featuring on television cooking shows several times throughout his career. He remained devoted to his profession through the span of his lifetime, and we will always remember, and dearly miss, the dishes he lovingly prepared at family gatherings. Even shopping for the food beforehand was an adventure with Mark. An avid collector of cookbooks, he also curated an impressive assortment of vintage cook- and kitchenware throughout his life, and Mark cherished anything passed down through the generations in his family.
He loved sports of almost any kind, and loved discussing team topics with his family and friends. (We always thought his second career could have been as a sports commentator.) His appreciation for music, especially classic rock and blues roots, was accompanied by his love of live performances and traveling to sites that were significant in music history. As an insatiable reader of non-fiction (books, newspapers, journals, anything), Mark’s encyclopedic knowledge of facts and information on any and every topic made conversation and trivia all the more interesting and fun.
We will remember Mark for his gentleness and innocence, his inquisitive and curious mind, his love of people, his friendly and welcoming demeanor and smile, his incredibly warm hugs, his easy laughter and mirth, and those bright blue eyes.
Mark embraced the Baptist faith, and his family rejoices that he is at rest with his Saviour, and with his beloved family members who have preceded him into Heaven: his cherished niece Lauren Elizabeth and stepfather Robert Whitson.
Mark is survived by his mother Shirley Taylor Whitson, father Melvin David Taylor and stepmother Patricia Guy Taylor, sister Stephanie Gilliland (Patrick), brothers Bryce Taylor (Claire) and Brandyn Taylor (Katie), as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and co-workers. He also leaves behind Benny, his much-loved dog and constant companion.
Visitation will be Sunday, July 16, 2023 from 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Grenville Avenue, Dallas, TX.
A memorial service to honor Mark will begin at 2:30 pm in the Memorial Chapel at Restland Funeral home, immediately following visitation.
To join this service please click on the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvlIjGBdX8A
What’s your fondest memory of Mark?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mark?
Share a story where Mark's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mark you’ll never forget.
How did Mark make you smile?