On August 21, 2025, our beloved son and brother, Taylor 'TJ' McKenzie, passed away peacefully of natural causes, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness.

Taylor was born in northwest Houston, where he spent his early childhood exploring the woods near home, swimming in the backyard pool, and enjoying family trips to the Texas Renaissance Festival and Galveston. He was a member of the Lakewood Forest swim team and the CyFair recreational soccer league, where he built friendships that lasted many years.

In grade school, Taylor's family moved to Mt. Airy, Maryland, where he attended Twin Ridge Elementary. There he discovered a love for snowy winters, sledding and building forts, and excelled as a soccer goalie, earning the "Most Improved Player" award. The friendships he made there made leaving Maryland for Texas bittersweet.

After moving back to Georgetown, Texas, Taylor continued swimming and played both school and club tennis. He enjoyed the South San Gabriel River Valley and found joy in art, particularly tech theater, drawing, and sculpture, which he later pursued in college. As a member of Troops 151 and 64, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, developing a lifelong love of camping, high adventure backpacking, and wilderness survival.

A 2010 graduate of Georgetown High School, Taylor went on to attend Austin Community College. He worked as a night manager at several Central Texas hotels, most recently with IHG in Salado, and later spent several years at Cap City/Gotham City Online creating graphic t-shirts and posters. His most recent position was with Auctane/ShipStation in the mailroom.

Taylor's greatest passion was gaming. He was an avid Dungeons & Dragons player and Dungeon Master, running multiple weekly campaigns with stories so detailed that fellow players eagerly sought him out. He was even invited to be a Dungeon Master at an Austin gaming convention. Taylor also loved Magic: The Gathering, building and playing at least a dozen decks with friends and the local community at Bell's Gaming Center and Game Kastle in the greater Austin area. His prized "Dragon" deck was his pride – and its contents remain a secret. Beyond tabletop games, Taylor's love for imagination and role-play extended to Renaissance festivals, where he could often be found at Sherwood Forest in McDade and Texas RenFest in Magnolia, proudly donning his wizard's hat and staff.

Taylor will be remembered for his kindheartedness, warm demeanor, and generous spirit. He had a deep love for storytelling and adventure, whether exploring the worlds of Fallout 76, building intricate Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, or immersing himself in mythology and Egyptian culture. He was also a creative cook who enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen, especially with his ever-growing collection of hot sauces. Those who knew him best will remember not only his knowledge and passions, but also the way he made others feel welcomed and included.

Taylor is survived by his father, Philip, and his mother, Gail; his two brothers, Joel and Logan; his sister-in-law, Sadie; and his beloved niece, Natalie. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Stephania McKenzie, and Harold and Anita Neilsen.

Taylor's life will be celebrated on Saturday, September 13, at 2:00 PM at Ramsey Funeral Home (5600 Williams Dr., Georgetown, Texas 78633), with a reception to follow. Family and friends are invited to join us in honoring Taylor, sharing stories, and supporting one another. We hope this gathering provides comfort as we come together to remember the joy he brought to those around him.

To honor Taylor's generous spirit, memorial contributions may be made to The Nest in Georgetown or to UnDue , a nonprofit that helps families by relieving unpaid medical debt.