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 Boy Scout High Adventure Camps are two experiences that helped shape who he was.
Recipients of Taylor’s Legacy Scholarship
Tony & Christian May
Christian was nominated by his Grandfather who had taken another grandson to Christ in the Smokies in 2023. He knew this would be an important milestone for Christian to share with his dad. Tony shared with Christian “You are a huge answer to prayer”. A father’s heart willing to say important things out loud and take time away to continue to invest in answered prayer. They both were impacted by relationships forged at camp, meeting complete strangers who became friends by end of week. Christian commented that when they arrived at Christ in the Smokies they knew no one and by the last night they were up late into the night hanging out. An awesome picture of community!
Scott & Silas Mawdesley
Silas was graduating high school and heading off to college when Scott invited him to attend Christ in the Smokies with him. Silas had no hesitations and their time at camp reflected the love this father and son have for one other. Scott shared publicly with Silas that “from the moment you were born, you were my guy.” Acknowledging, like so many fathers would, that “Being a dad is easily one of the easiest hard things I’ve ever done”. These two shared a vulnerability and closeness that was inspired by their faith, love of God and each other. Scott cannot wait to see what God does with Silas’ life. Us too!
Matt and Landon Kuhl
Landon attended a presentation at Taylor’s church for “student leaders of middle schoolers” about Christ in the Smokies Passage to Manhood camp. He was interested in attending and went home and invited his dad to go with him. Matt said yes and the two of them began to pray that while they already enjoyed a close relationship, that “camp would help grow a stronger bond with each other”. They arrived at camp with open arms and had a great time together and with the other fathers and sons. Matt shared that his time at camp was “Life changing! It has opened a door to better communication with my sons”. Landon walked away feeling “a deep connection with my dad and further understand God’s love for me and my life!”. There was deeper healing within their family story that came to light that week. Prayers were answered.
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…
