John Dean Taylor

·            John Dean Taylor, 76, Colonel, (ret. Virginia Army National Guard), and Major General, (ret. Virginia Defense Force), passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025. He was the son of the late Shelley and Ann Taylor, and he was also preceded in death by a brother, Todd Taylor.
John Dean was born in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina in 1948 and proudly lived in Greensville County and Emporia, Virginia his entire life.  He graduated from Greensville County High School in 1966 and briefly attended Chowan University before enrolling at Virginia Tech where he earned three degrees including a PhD in Plant Pathology. John met his wife Shirley at Virginia Tech and together they established several successful agricultural businesses during their 50 years of marriage.

He began his military career as a member of the Virginia Army National Guard at the local unit in Emporia.  He went on to serve in numerous military assignments to include Field Artillery Officer, helicopter pilot, and various staff officer assignments with the Pentagon and the National Guard Bureau. Upon Active Duty retirement he accepted an assignment as the Commanding General for the Virginia Defense Force (VDF).  After retiring from the VDF, he continued to be active in several volunteer associations all focused on helping those Virginians who served in the military.  John truly believed in service to others and exemplified all the best traits of being a citizen and a soldier.

For his entire life, John Dean focused on family, staying busy on the farm with a never ending list of projects, and helping others in need.  He enjoyed staying in touch with his many friends, former coworkers and extended family.  There are many who will miss his phone calls, text messages, visits or surprise packages in the mail. There are very few people who John Dean met that he didn't later describe as a "good guy."

John Dean is survived by his wife, Shirley C. Taylor; daughter, Stacey Fossey (Stuart); two sons, Justin Taylor (Kira) and Jason Taylor (Jamie); five grandchildren, Joshua Taylor, Jackson Taylor, Joseph Taylor (Alexis), Ryanne Frock (Joseph) and Dillon Taylor, and a nephew, Chris Taylor (Tracey).
The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, January 12 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia where the family will receive friends one hour prior to and immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the National D-Day Memorial Foundation located in Bedford, VA (www.dday.org).