Mickey Cleveland Taylor

Mickey Cleveland Taylor of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away on July 30, 2026.

Born in Laurens, South Carolina, Mickey was formerly of Rock Hill, South Carolina. He graduated from Rock Hill High School and continued his education at Spartanburg Methodist College, where he majored in Physical Education. A gifted athlete, Mickey played basketball at the University of South Carolina Lancaster and at Winthrop.

Mickey devoted the early years of his career to education, serving for 15 years as a high school teacher, head basketball coach, and athletic director. He later enjoyed a successful career as a sales manager in the automotive industry.

A proud patriot, Mickey honorably served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1972, attaining the rank of Petty Officer Second Class.

His dedication to serving fellow veterans continued long after his military service through his passionate involvement with the American Legion. Among his many accomplishments, he served as Commander of American Legion Post 34 from 1996 to 1998, District 9 Commander from 1997 to 1999, during which he was recognized as District Commander of the Year, and as a member of the York County Veterans Council. In 2011, he was elected Department Commander of the South Carolina American Legion, representing more than 28,000 members during the 93rd Annual Department Convention. He also served as National Executive Committeeman from 2013 to 2015, was a member of the National Emblem Committee from 2015 to 2017, and served on the Department Civil Defense Sub-Committee under the National Security Commission from 2007 to 2009. His unwavering commitment to veterans and their families left a lasting impact on his community and the American Legion.

Mickey was preceded in death by his parents, Grover and Odessa Taylor; his brother, Gerald Patterson; his sister, Martha Ramsey; and his wife, Lynn Taylor.

He is survived by his children, Michelle Ganio, Alexandria Taylor, and Jacob Taylor; his brother, Wayne Taylor; his faithful companion, Gypsie; and many extended family members, friends, fellow veterans, and American Legion comrades who will deeply miss him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at American Legion Post 178 in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Veterans & Children's Foundation in care of American Legion Post 178, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

Mickey will be remembered for his dedication to education and athletics, his honorable military service, and his lifelong commitment to serving veterans. His legacy of leadership, generosity, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him.

To view service information online or offer words of comfort through the online guestbook, please visit www.burroughsfh.com.

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Murrells Inlet (843-651-1440) is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.