Gregory Lynn Kaylor

Gregory Lynn Kaylor, 65, passed away at his home, Monday, October 3, 2022. He was a retired professional photographer and businessman and an associate of CPQ Professional Imaging and liaison for Portrait Shoppe Express Photo for a number of years. He was a member of Professional Photographers of America, Wedding Photographers International and charter member of the Chattanooga Professional Photographers Guild.

He continued a communications career as police reporter and writer for Cleveland Newspapers and Walls Media. Executive Board of Ratterman /Shell Scholarship which has aided hundreds of students further educational avenues. Founding Executive Board of CASA of Bradley Co...then helping expand to include Polk Co.

He also worked with Bradley Co. Emergency Management Agency as a public information officer and media advisor, as well as Bradley Co. Elections Office where he was a deputy registrar and served as Officer of Elections.

Through journalism, his passion was to educate area residents in hope of saving lives. He was passionate about working with area law enforcement and emergency managers to educate and protect lives.

He was awarded numerous distinctions throughout his communications career, including

photography, writing and public service. He was named by Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland and the Cleveland-Bradley Chamber of Commerce to aid in the "Name the City" committee to help determine a proper and distinctive nickname for Cleveland.

In 2011 after devastating and deadly tornadoes, he worked aiding in organizing immediate relief, as well as other needs of victims through "Rock the Relief" and Cleveland-Bradley Co. Disaster Relief. The organization was embraced by the city and county mayors, leading to the Long-term Recovery Organization to rebuild and sustain aid to those affected.

Shortly after permanent early retirement, he was appointed to the 10th Judicial Cold Case Task Force due to his skills of disseminating public information and strategizing to bring closure to those cases seemingly forgotten through time.

He enjoyed playing fiddle and mandolin. He was a member of several bands and loved "porch pickin" with friends. He was also a member of the Georgia Country Music Association. He also enjoyed owning and restoring older homes, including the Cherokee Indian mansion initially built by Lewis Ross in 1819.

He leaves behind the love of his life, Donna Geren Kaylor, who worked side by side most of their lives.

He was preceded in death by parents Don Ray Kaylor and Barbara Shell Kaylor; Grandparents, Edward C Kaylor and Cyrene Richmond, R.L. and Flora Shell; along with several aunts and uncles also preceded him in death.

Survivors: Wife, Donna Kaylor; Son, Andrew Cranfield; Daughter, Jennifer Kaylor Hawkins; Sister, Keli Kaylor Eichholtz and Billy (Husband) of Knoxville; Grandchildren, Chaz Kaylor, Jamey Ray Hawkins, and Connor Hawkins; Special Friend Chip Bryant along with several nieces and nephews and a host of extended family.

Special thank you to his Aunt Ann Kaylor who loved and cared for him until his passing, and also a special thank you to his uncles Robert Shell and Claude Shell who helped with his caregiving.

Also a special thank you to John and Debbie Duggan; and Dennis Geren for their help and support.