Benjamin Frierson Taylor

Benjamin Frierson Taylor, 81, of Kennesaw, GA, completed a life well lived on April 10th, 2026, one filled with love, laughter, and stories that will be told for years to come.

Ben was born June 28th, 1944, in Florence, SC, to Birdie and Evelyn Taylor. He was one of nine children and attended the John de La Howe School for Children in Family Crisis and later McCormick High School in McCormick, SC. A proud alumnus of Auburn University at Montgomery, he shouted “War Eagle!” at every opportunity—a tradition later carried on by two of his children and one grandchild.

After high school, Ben voluntarily joined the U.S. Air Force and served during the Vietnam War. Stationed in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam, he worked in air crash rescue, helping recover downed pilots. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant at the end of the war.

Once discharged, Ben began a 30-year career with Eastern Airlines, starting in Montgomery, AL, and finishing as a Concourse Manager at Hartsfield Airport in Atlanta, GA. He later founded two successful telecommunications companies—American Communications and Banda Communications—serving as CEO until retiring in the early 2000s.

While serving in the Air Force, Ben met the love of his life at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, AL. He and Alice Faye Poole met by passing in a hallway. He told his friend then that he had met the woman he was going to marry. He wasted no time in getting her number and persuading her that he was her “knight in shining armor”. They were married for almost 60 years, so it must have worked. Together, they raised three children: Angela “Shea” Forman (Greg), Eric Shawn Taylor, and Tracy Alan Taylor (Hetal Thakkar). Ben’s pride and joy were his four grandsons, who carry his spirit forward in their own ways—Jordan Devon Mercure (Emily Kuras), Benjamin Reece Mercure, Sanjay Ethan Taylor, and Vijay Alan Taylor.

Ben had a gift for brightening everyday moments with a mischievous, irreverent sense of humor. Even near the end, he kept a twinkle in his eye and was always ready with a witty comment. He loved hunting, fishing, working on old trucks, gardening, and building things with his own hands. Deeply caring and generous, he would do anything for anyone, at any time.

Above all, Ben loved his family and friends wholeheartedly. He is survived by his beloved wife, Alice; his daughter, Angela “Shea” Forman (Greg); his son, Tracy Alan Taylor (Hetal); and his four grandsons.

He is preceded in death by his son, Eric Shawn Taylor. The family are overjoyed knowing they are now reunited in Heaven.

A military funeral will be held at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John de La Howe Foundation in his honor at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/john-de-la-howe-school-foundation-giving-form-2 .