Who is Taylor Strickland?
Taylor was a young man who lived out his faith and was dedicated to his family and friends. Taylor was a young man who lived out his faith and was dedicated to his family and friends. He, his mom Toni, and his dad Tim lived in Alpharetta, Georgia, where they were active members of their church as a family. Throughout Taylor’s life, he pursued serving others through missions at home and abroad. He was a dedicated leader of a middle school group and mentored young men during their most important formative years. He was an Eagle Scout. He loved the outdoors and high adventure including fishing, snowboarding, scuba diving, boating and wake boarding. Taylor loved sports and was a skilled wrestler. Taylor’s faith led him to be baptized on a mission trip with his family when he was 12.
Taylor unfortunately left us much too soon on September 6, 2016, at 23 years old. Taylor was involved in a fatal car accident, which claimed his life on his way from his job in Alpharetta to a work project in North Carolina. His beloved dog Axle lives with Taylor’s parents and brings great joy to those who know him!
Nothing Left Unsaid
When Taylor passed away, one thing his parents held onto was that nothing was left unsaid between them. Taylor knew he was fully and completely loved by them, and they knew he loved them by his words and actions in life. From that, the phrase “nothing left unsaid” was coined by the Stricklands to encourage us all to take any opportunity to say what needs to be said to others.
The Scholarships
Taylor’s family and friends recognize young men who go over and above exemplifying the character traits that they feel made the biggest impact on Taylor’s life: namely faith, leadership, service to others and a love of the outdoors. Christ in the Smokies (CITS) and Scouting America High Adventure Treks are two experiences that helped shape who he was.
Recipients of Taylor’s Legacy Scholarship
Daniel & Ethan Watkins
Daniel attended Christ in the Smokies in 2019 with an older son and returned this year with Ethan for the adventure and teaching. He recognized “I’m not here just to help him become a better man, I’m here to actually become a better man myself.” His intentionality paid off in many ways especially relationally. Ethan said “spending time with my dad was my favorite and most meaningful part.”
Ken & Cole Grubbs
Ken and Cole travelled to the Smoky Mountains from Florida as they committed time away before Cole launches out on his own. They both agreed it was time well spent “creating that space to be vulnerable with each other and actually talk and have conversations.” Cole said there was “a lot of bonding time that we normally wouldn’t get and am hoping we continue that when we get back”. These comments closely shadow the TSLF motto of “Nothing Left Unsaid” and we are overjoyed that Ken and Cole were able to do just that.
Nathan Moss Jr. – Sea Base
Boy Scout Troop 47
Nathan looked forward to attending Sea Base in the Florida Keys with his crew and a cool addition to the crew, his dad with whom he said, “I forged a deeper and more meaningful connection with my dad. Sharing the challenges and adventures, from paddling through the open ocean to fishing in stormy seas, brought us closer together. We laughed, had fun, and made memories that I will always remember and cherish.” Nathan shared “we went kayaking through the mangrove forest to the ocean…..in the evening shark fishing from the dock and experienced an epic rain storm…..end off the day we went on a short lobstering snorkel dive…..and we got to see many sea creatures.” On “deep sea fishing day. We waded out to the dock to board our fishing boat, with our captain, Kyle, leading the way. We started fishing trolling with lines off the back, taking turns reeling in fish. Everyone hooked something, and we caught a variety of fishes. Rain came and went with pocket storms, drenching us in both rain and seawater. Big swells hit at times, but we also saw a rainbow and calmer waters.” One night he “and a few other scouts cowboy-camped out on the beach under the stars, which were beautiful. The milky way was visible! It made me feel like I saw the masterpiece of our Creator.”
Taylor’s Blog
The Adventure of a Lifetime
written by Toni Strickland In the spring of 2015, Tim invited Taylor to attend a father-son retreat in Colorado and Taylor said yes without hesitation. June came, and I dropped them at the airport, bags packed, hearts open for whatever lay ahead. Off they went, a father and son embarking on what would be an…
