Fans, Friends, Athletes Remember Ed Taylor

Several hundred people braved the cold weather and snowfall Thursday night to attend the memorial service for broadcaster Ed Taylor.

The service was held in Paducah Tilghman Gymnasium, where Taylor called play-by-play action as the "Voice of the Tornado." 

The invocation was led by Rev. Linda Creason of First Christian Church, where Taylor attended. The PTHS Concert Choir sang a version of "Peace in the Valley," and a couple of other gospel songs by Elvis Presley - one of Ed's favorite singers - were played during the service.

Former coaches Tremayne Donald and Brad Stieg shared how they formed friendships with Taylor beyond their coaching tenures, and how he became a part of their families. Bristol Broadcasting General Manager Jamie Futrell shared some colorful stories about how Ed interacted with fans and co-workers, and spoke of how his Christian faith grew following a stroke 14 years ago.  

All three men said Taylor was blunt but lovable, and he dearly loved Paducah Tilghman sports and the hundreds of athletes he interacted with over the years.

The service ended with a video montage of PTHS sports, accompanied by Taylor's familiar voice as he called football, basketball and baseball games.

Taylor died last Thursday evening after being struck by a vehicle near his Reidland home. He was 76 years old.