Joe Blair Taylor, 90, of Caneyville, KY, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on February 8, 2026, at Grayson Manor. He was born in Butler County, KY on January 18, 1936, the son of Ernest and Eloda Cook Taylor.
Joe always worked hard to provide for his family. He was the proud founder of Caneyville Contractors, Inc., and was a successful businessman serving his community for many years with Joe Taylor and Sons Body Shop and Caneyville Quick Stop, among other businesses. He enjoyed farming, was a member of Barnett’s Lick Baptist Church, was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Master Mason, and was a member of the Shriners.
He is survived by three children: Rita (Chris) Cockrel, Mike (Gayle) Taylor, and Anita (Steve) Bratcher, all of Caneyville; eight grandchildren: Dana (Mike) Heilman of Caneyville, Kevin (Emily) Taylor of Caneyville, Heather Taylor of Leitchfield, Natasha Taylor of Elizabethtown, Brent (Kayla) Taylor of Millerstown, Leslie (Grant) Jones of Hopkinsville, Anna (Blake) Moore of Charleston, WV, and Sarah (Jessie) Newton of Lakewood, IL. He is survived by several great-grandchildren: Colton (Lakeisha) Starcher, Eli, Evan, Easton, Ezra, Keaton, Aubrey, Kendall, and Kimber; two great-great grandchildren Amelia, and Cora; one sister, Jeraldine Bryant of Morgantown; a niece, Shelia Bryant of Morgantown; a great niece, Lorna (Christian) Harden of Morgantown, and a great nephew, Dillon Bryant of Morgantown.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 63 years, Hazel Gaynell Swift Taylor; son, Philip Taylor; daughter-in-law, Patty Flener Taylor; a grandson, Bradley Dale Smith; and a niece, Kimberly Bryant.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, (February 14, 2026), at the Dermitt Funeral Home in Leitchfield. Bro. Mickey Coates and Bro. Jerry Smith will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Layman Memorial Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, (February 13, 2026), and from 9:00 a.m. Saturday until time of service.
