Charles "Chuck" Franklin Taylor, 82, of Athens, TX passed away January 5, 2025 in Tyler, TX. He was born to Ishmeal and Lottie Taylor on September 18, 1942 in Boswell, OK. He grew up in Hugo, OK, and graduated from Hugo High School in 1960, and then promptly enlisted in the Navy. As a young, motivated Avionics Technician, he deployed on the USS Hornet and was part of the pioneering aircrews that conducted anti-submarine warfare. After his discharge from the Navy, he lived in the San Francisco Bay Area and continued his education and earned degrees in Liberal Arts, English, and achieved a Masters of Arts in Education Administration from University of San Francisco. During this time, he married his first wife Carlena "Carla" Padua, and their son Christopher was born in 1973. While pursuing his career in California's Central Valley, he went on to be a standout teacher, education administrator, and mentor to an array of young people, undoubtedly changing the course of countless lives for the better. In 1990, he married his second wife Marlena Brown, and they moved to Athens, TX, where their daughter Rachel was born in 1996. With his admirable work ethic, Chuck was a highly experienced education professional with a long-storied career. He truly cared for the betterment of his community through innovative methods of learning in the classroom and in life. Prior to his retirement, he served as Principal of Crossroads High School and Crossroads Elementary School, worked for Trinity Valley Community College and Cain Center Inc. in Athens TX. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and a trusted friend to all that knew him. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Ishmael and Lottie Taylor, sister Vivian, brothers Harold and Wayne Taylor, sisters-in-law Wilda and Loretta Taylor. He is survived by his wife Marlena, his son Christopher (Misti) of San Diego, CA, his daughter Rachel (Adam Justice ) of Flint, TX, brothers Gerald Taylor of Pueblo, CO, Ishmael "Ray" Taylor of TX, and sister-in-law, Karen Taylor of Athens, TX. Friends, family, and colleges would attest to his unique and caring approach to sensibly fix any problem. He was an avid reader throughout his life, from countless westerns to the Greek classics and of course, Shakespeare. The family extends thanks to staff at Christus Trinity Mother Frances and the Hospice of East Texas for their compassionate care and Faith Church of Athens for their support and prayers. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on February 8th, 2025 at the Faith Church of Athens. 901 Mission Ave.