Dan Taylor

Daniel “Dan” McBride Taylor, 86, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, at Ocean Springs Hospital.

Dan was born on March 10, 1940, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, to Daniel B. Taylor and Maxine M. Taylor. He was the first of four children and was a beloved brother to Ken Taylor, Harry Taylor, and Dana Taylor Newman.

Dan graduated from Goldsboro High School in 1958 and continued his education at Chowan Junior College. In 1962, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served for four years. Following his military service, Dan attended maritime school in New Orleans, Louisiana, and earned his Third Mate License. He went on to build a long and accomplished career in the Merchant Marines, earning numerous maritime licenses throughout the years and ultimately achieving his Master Mariner License, Unlimited Tonnage, Ocean.

In 1973, Dan met and married the love of his life, Barbara Rowell. Together, they built a family and shared more than five decades of marriage. They were blessed with two children, Andy Taylor and Hope Taylor.

After his years at sea, Dan continued his education and earned an Associate Degree in Drafting and Design from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He subsequently worked for many years as a draftsman for several contractors associated with Ingalls Shipbuilding, putting his technical knowledge and experience to work in support of the shipbuilding industry.

Dan was a man of deep faith and devoted service. He was an active and longtime member of First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs, where he faithfully served as a deacon for 35 years. His commitment to helping others also led him to serve with The Gideons International. Each year, he could be found at the Jackson County Fair in Pascagoula and the Peter Anderson Festival in Ocean Springs, where he handed out Bibles and shared his faith with those he met.

Dan had a genuine gift for conversation and enjoyed talking with people. He never seemed to meet a stranger and valued the opportunity to hear someone's story, share a few words, and make a connection. In his quieter moments, he enjoyed reading, working on his computer, and spending time with the family dog, Merry Muffin, a beloved Shih Tzu.

Dan will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his steadfast faith, his years of service to his country and community, his maritime career, and his willingness to serve others. Above all, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose presence touched many lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to The Gideons International in Dan’s memory. This organization held a special place in Dan’s heart, and a gift in his memory will help continue the ministry of sharing God’s Word with others, a cause to which he devoted many years of faithful service.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Barbara Taylor; his children, Andy Taylor and Hope Taylor; and his grandchildren, Ashlyn Taylor and Emily Taylor. He is also survived by his siblings, Ken Taylor, Harry Taylor, and Dana Taylor Newman, along with extended family and many friends who will cherish his memory.

His life was one of faith, service, family, and fellowship. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs, MS. Friends may visit one hour prior. Burial will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Dan Taylor.