Thomas Roger "Rod" Taylor II, age 50, said goodbye to this life February 1, 2024.

From childhood Rod loved books and learning. As soon as he could form letters, he began writing. Literature and writing were Rod's lifelong passion. He was a gifted and eloquent writer and poet.

He was a Statesboro High School graduate in 1992, and earned his Bachelor of Arts from Emory University in 2003. As an undergraduate under the direction of Emory he spent a summer at the renowned Sorbonne University in Paris, France studying and researching. Upon graduation Emory awarded Rod The Woodruff Fellowship/Scholarship based on his scholarship and merit to pursue his PhD in Comparative Literature. He was a scholar of philosophy and world literature.

A quiet, reflective and gentle man he was not a crowd person. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family and many friends. He is remembered by all for his love given so freely, his gentle nature, generosity, kindness, empathy and helpfulness to all.

He was predeceased by his father Thomas "Tommy" Taylor, paternal grandparents John and Cindy Taylor of Talbotton Ga.

Survivors are his loving mother, Lynn Williams Jeremias, maternal grandparents Willie and Madelyn Williams, an uncle Terry (Phyllis) Williams, a cousin Kala (Raymond) Lacross, an aunt and uncle Dorman and Janice Thornton, beloved cousins Vickie Baker and Deryl (Tammy) Thornton and special friends Rachel Lagano and Jennifer Spell.

Mama's note "We will forever love and miss you. Thank you for 50 glorious years as my son and best friend."

Christian services were held in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home.