I didn’t know quite how to begin introducing a man like my husband who packed so much life into 32 years, so I thought I would start with the words written by our dear friend, Maria Martineau, or as she is affectionately called by our daughters, Auntie M. Maria has been best friends with Taylor’s mother, Kathryn, since they were in high school together and knew Taylor his entire life. She loved my husband as her own son and witnessed him grow into an incredibly kind, loving and hard working man. I would like to share Taylor’s faith with you and the life lessons he left me with, the first being the value of true friendships. Maria is one of those “true blue” friends and I will always be grateful to her for being strong for our family when we lacked our own strength and writing a beautiful tribute to my husband.
Love, Molly
Copyright © 2021 M. Marley, LLC
Taylor King Marley
August 28, 1987 – February 10, 2020

Taylor Marley (32), a proud sixth-generation New Mexican rancher, passed away on February 10, 2020 in Roswell, NM on the ranch he loved so dearly. Throughout his life, Taylor cherished the time he spent building a ranching legacy alongside his parents and grandparents and loved sharing this tradition with his beloved wife and daughters.
Born on August 28, 1987 in Roswell, Taylor will always be remembered for his sweet and caring spirit, infectious laugh, mischievous smile, hilarious jokes and warm-hearted nature. He simply loved life and shared this with everyone around him. No one could light up a room more than Taylor. Whether he was creating a strategic business plan or showcasing his horsemanship and marksmanship skills with the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, Taylor was all in, all the time. Taylor’s competitive nature fueled him to win a Rifle World Championship title and two AQHA Reserve World Championship titles.
A graduate of the New Mexico Military Institute in 2006 and TCU Ranch Management in 2010, Taylor was passionate about his alma maters. He loved watching his beloved TCU Horned Frogs play football and was the consummate tailgate host to his adoring friends. True and lasting friendships were an integral part of Taylor’s life, and he made everyone around him feel special and loved.
Family meant everything to Taylor. His loving parents, Kathryn and Mark, and his treasured sister, Kate, along with Taylor, were the closest of families creating memories of a lifetime. Then, in 2014, Taylor married the love of his life, Molly McKinney of Ft. Worth, TX, to begin their own family on the ranch. Molly and Taylor were blessed with two precious daughters, Margot (3) and Charlotte (1), and he loved nothing more than spending time with them. He deeply cherished his roles as husband, father, son, brother, grandson and friend.
Taylor Marley made a lasting impact on those he loved and will be profoundly missed.
Taylor is survived by his wife, Molly McKinney Marley; his daughters, Margot and Charlotte; his parents, Kathryn and Mark Marley; his sister, Kate Marley; his grandparents, Betty and John King, and Lauralea Marley McCrea, his step-grandfather, David McCrea; his in-laws Mary and Paul McKinney, his sister-in-law Harriet McKinney and his brother-in-law Charles McKinney. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Bob Marley. Taylor is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and loving friends and family.
Molly, I know your McKinney family through Mark and Betsy Hoppe and their kids Blitz and Will. I met Mark and Betsy in Sunday School here in Winston-Salem, NC. I have had the joy of visiting their ranch and, having met your Ft. Worth family, I know you possess Christian strength. I pray every morning and will include you and your children in my prayers.
Gregg Davis
Thank you, Gregg. I appreciate the prayers and you reaching out. We have so much love for the Hoppes and all of their friends.
Molly I appreciate having the chance to learn about your husband. He clearly was a deeply kind hearted, loving, dedicated person who loved you and your family very, very much. Again, I’m so so sorry for your loss. His memory lives on with you and your daughters and as you know he is watching over you from heaven.
Thank you for the kind words and support.
You are sincerely welcome. If you need anyone additional in your life to talk with about anything I would be happy to carve out a time to speak with you.
Dear Molly,
We were just watching an old Garth Brooks concert, and these lyrics made me think of you:
“With the good Lord as my captain,” (and your Dad, Captain) “I can make it through [it] all“.
And then he sang “The Dance. “.
Apparently Garth knows it all.
Love you!
Lisa