PIERRE, SD – Ryan “Opie” Taylor, 38, known affectionately as Opie by his friends and family, left this world too soon on March 18, 2024, following an automobile accident near Reliance, South Dakota. A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, March 26 at Faith Lutheran Church in Pierre with a 7:00pm prayer service. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, March 27 at Faith Lutheran Church. For those unable to attend the service it will be live streamed on in the link below.

Born on March 15, 1986, in Pierre, South Dakota, to Brad and Marilyn (Bauer) Taylor he grew up in Ft. Pierre, where he graduated from Stanley County High School in 2004. His athletic prowess and leadership on the football field earned him the nickname Opie, a name given to him by his high school football coach and one that stuck with him throughout his life. A highlight of his young athletic career was representing South Dakota in the Down Under Bowl in Australia after his senior year, an experience he would never forget.

Following high school, Opie channeled his passion for the outdoors into his work as owner and operator of Marshall Lawn Irrigation. He also worked for Matthews Farms and Sharpe Enterprises during the off season.

Ryan was a man who lived life to the fullest, approaching every day with an adventurous spirit and a mischievous smile, his love for hunting and fishing was more than a hobby; it was a passion passed on from his father. Opie and his brother Jason shared a friendly rivalry, each striving to outdo the other on their hunting and fishing expeditions, always in pursuit of the next big catch or the largest buck. Those who knew him will remember his stories of these adventures and the light-hearted competition that he and his brother had.

A social butterfly, Opie never met a stranger. He had an uncanny ability to make lasting connections with people. His mother’s homemade cookies were a staple on his scouting trips, and he proudly declared himself a momma’s boy.

He is survived by his father Brad (Linda) Taylor and mother Marilyn (Terry) Patterson, his brother Jason (Donita) Taylor, nephew Nathan, niece Raegan and grandmother Lois Bauer. He is also survived by his stepbrothers Ryan (Ashley) Patterson and Chris Anglin, stepsisters Brooke Anglin (Chase) and Jill (Jim) Hanson, and their families, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Bob and JoAnn Taylor, grandfather Roland Bauer, great grandparents, and cousins Justin Bronson and Robbie Johnson.

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