Christopher "Clay" Taylor, 16 years old, passed away from complications of Hunters Syndrome on October 27, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, MS.

The visitation will be Monday, October 30, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Columbus, MS.  The Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 PM at the church with Bro. Steve Lammons and Bro. Ty Danielson officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery with Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS directing.

Clay was born on October 16, 2007, to Christopher Wayne and Amanda Ruffin Taylor. He enjoyed watching football games, spending time with his family and friends, and being in the outdoors. Clay also spent time participating in events with Golden Triangle Outdoors. Golden Triangle Outdoors was the organization that sparked Clay's love for Challenger Ball, which gave him the opportunity to play baseball and an opportunity to play on Dudy Noble field with the Mississippi State Baseball players last fall. This organization granted Clay with special friendships, and so did Pediatrust, as he was their first client. Clay never met a stranger and loved his people, especially his sister. He was known for his infectious smile and pretty, blue eyes. He never let a struggle defeat him and his personality always stayed true.

In addition to his parents, Clay is survived by his sister, Madison Taylor; grandparents, Jimmy and Jane Ruffin, Debbie and Larry Taylor; uncles, Jason (Charlsey) Ruffin, Erik (Amber) Ruffin, Greg Culpepper, and Steven Culpepper; cousins, Cole Ruffin, Justin Ruffin, Emma Ruffin, Maddox Ruffin; great grandfather, Wayne Taylor; and great grandmother, Betty Shumaker.  He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Gayle Culpepper, and his uncle Nick Taylor.

Pallbearers will be Jason Ruffin, Erik Ruffin, Cole Ruffin, Justin Ruffin, Maddox Ruffin, and Brady Stewart. Honorary Pallbearers will be Lamar Harper, Mark Rixie, Dr. Ski, and the District 3 Volunteer Fire Department.

The family would like to say thank you to everyone who has helped us care for Clay over the years. A very special thank you to the Pediatrust staff, Brittany Schrock, Dr. Collins, and the ER staff at Baptist Memorial Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are encouraged to the National MPS Society, P.O. Box 14686, Durham, NC 27709-4686, Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1791 Lake Lowndes Rd, Columbus, MS 39702, or the charity of the donor's choice.