There aren’t enough words to fully describe Chance’s impact over his lifetime. He cherished his wife. As the lone boy of his immediate family, he was his parents’ pride and joy. He loved to aggravate and boss around his sisters, while at the same time loved and cared for them deeply as they weren’t only his siblings but his very best friends.
Chance also might have been the proudest uncle there’s ever been. He was the definition of the fun uncle and adored every one of his nieces and nephews. He bragged on them continuously. They lit up his life and he lit up theirs.
And there perhaps may have never existed a better friend than Chance. He was brutally honest. You never had to wonder where Chance stood on an issue. At the same time, he was incredibly caring and intentional with his friendships. Some people talk about staying in touch. Well Chance did, always calling, texting or visiting with those that meant so much to him.
Chance’s loving nature made him perfect for the career path that he chose. He spent 15 years of his life dedicated to the children of St. Jude Hospital as a radiation therapist. It was more than a job for Chance. It was a calling. He spread so much cheer to those in need of a smile. He impacted countless lives and helped so many children navigate challenging moments and made those times a little less scary by playing with them, dancing for them or doing whatever he could to bring them happiness.
In fact, spreading happiness to all those around him was maybe what Chance was best at. His quick wit let him always have a joke ready to go. He’d sing you an old country song. He had some dance moves, though it’s debatable exactly how smooth they were. Regardless, he didn’t mind showing them off.
And you better not let your guard down around Chance. He was always looking to pull the next good prank to make your heart pound or make you scream, but most importantly to make you smile.
Chance will also be remembered for his love for sports – particularly his Mississippi State Bulldogs and New Orleans Saints. If Chance had wanted to, he’d have also made for an incredible sports analyst as displayed by his frequent passionate suggestions he’d often share with others while watching his teams play. Above all else though, it’s the smiles and wonderful memories that Chance helped create that his family and friends will carry with them forever.
Chance was born on September 24, 1984 to Johnny and Diane Rhodes Taylor. He was born and raised in Ackerman, Mississippi. Chance graduated from Ackerman High School in 2003 before going on to receive a radiology technology certificate from the University of Mississippi Medical Center and a degree in radiological science from Arkansas State University.
Chance then began his employment at St. Jude where he worked until the time of his passing. Even in his death, Chance continued to impact others. Four lives were saved thanks to Chance donating his organs.
Chance is survived by his wife, Devon Taylor, his mother, Diane Rhodes Taylor, his two sisters, Kerri Jo (Allen) Whittington and Leigh Taylor (Matt) Thomas, four nieces and two nephews, several aunts and uncles and cousins.
He was predeceased by his father, John R. Taylor, and his sister, Whitney Layne Taylor.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Enon Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 9000 MS-12, Ackerman, MS 39735. The visitation will be from11:00AM -2:00PM at the church. The funeral service will immediately follow.
Donations can be given or mailed to Bank of Kilmicheal, 9060 MS HWY 15, Ackerman, MS 39735. Please specify “Payable to Bank of Kilmicheal” for “Chance Taylor Memorial” All donations will be put toward a memorial plaque