Kenneth Carter Taylor

Kenneth “Carter” Taylor, 24, of Cumming, Georgia, passed away on July 12, 2026, at his home, leaving his family in profound sadness, shock, and grief. He was the beloved son of Kurtis and Laura Taylor and younger brother to Caleb, who adored him from the moment Carter entered the world.

Carter was born on January 4, 2002, in Conyers, GA. He arrived to great excitement and joy on a rare snowy day in Georgia. His parents still remember driving him home on icy roads, Kurtis clenching the steering wheel, waving cars around them, determined to protect his family and their precious newborn. That instinct to care for and protect Carter continued throughout his life, just as Carter himself grew into a young man who protected and loved his family.

Carter lived his entire life in Georgia, spending his early childhood in McDonough before moving to Cobb, Fulton, and eventually Forsyth County. He followed closely in his brother Caleb’s footsteps, and they spent countless hours riding bikes, skateboarding, rollerblading, swimming and playing video games. The bond between them remained one of the defining joys of Carter’s life.

Though shy as a young child, Carter blossomed into a confident, popular teenager with a sweet, beautiful smile and gentle disposition. His pre-teen and teenage years were filled with friends, music, sports, and fun. He played many sports, but football was his greatest athletic passion. Beginning at age four, he played through his senior year of high school. His family never missed a game. Though an injury prevented him from completing his junior season, a season that ended in a state championship, Carter returned for his senior year with determination and courage. His family was most proud, not of his tackles or accolades, but of his strength, resilience, and refusal to give up, reflected in his return to football that senior year.

Carter loved his parents, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and the family dogs, Buddy, Cali, Nali, and Kota. He gave thoughtful gifts, wrote heartfelt cards, and appreciated even the smallest acts of kindness. He had an exceptional palate and a love for food, offering honest critiques and savoring new flavors. He was a talented artist with a vivid imagination. He was the devoted family DJ when traveling, as he seemed to know every song, regardless of the era or genre. He had great taste in cars and clothes and was often the one his mom would go to for the final call on what dress or shoes to wear.

In the final six years of Carter’s life, he faced unimaginable challenges few will ever see or understand. Yet even in the darkest moments, Carter never stopped trying to better himself - physically, mentally and spiritually. He remained a believer in God and Christ, holding on to faith even when the world felt unbearably heavy.

Carter’s family, and those who knew him best, will remember him for his sweet disposition, his kindness, his laughter, his sense of humor, his beautiful smile, and his loving spirit. That is who he truly was. His parents pray for the day they will see him again, whole and healed, able to hear once more how deeply he is loved and cherished.

Carter is survived by his parents, Kurtis and Laura Taylor; his brother, Caleb (Heather Allstrom); his grandfathers, Kenneth Taylor (Clay) and M. Wayne Huff; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Karen Taylor and Patricia Huff.

A private viewing will be held for the family. A public memorial service will take place on August 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM at McDonald & Son Funeral Home in Cumming, GA.

Floral tributes are appreciated, but as an alternative, the family suggests contributions be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (www.NAMI.org)