Shannon Allen Lafferty, age 49, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville. He was born November 25, 1976, in Cookeville, the son of the late Ron Taylor and Glenda Sue Bumbalough Taylor.

Shannon grew up in Cookeville. He worked as a cook at Roberts Family Diner, where he truly enjoyed what he did and loved the people he worked with like family. He had many friends, and he thought the world of every one of them.

In addition to his parents, Shannon was preceded in death by two brothers, Matthew Taylor and Johnnie Taylor; and a nephew, David Ray Taylor, and his wife, Davin Scott.

He is survived by his brother, Ronnie Taylor and wife Mary; his sister, Kathy Presley and husband Carl; his nieces, Candice Presley, Kimberly Taylor, Brandi Stephens and husband Andrew, and Jessica Flatt and husband Wesley; his nephew, James Presley; his uncle, Jerry Bumbalough and wife Barb; and many great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to those who were with Shannon when he passed: Dustin Burgess, Sam, Chris, Anne, and Ed. He would have been so happy that you were there.

A memorial service will be held Monday, October 26, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Thurman Funeral Home, with Ronnie Taylor and Dustin Burgess officiating.

Thurman Funeral Home of Sparta is honored to serve the Lafferty family. Online condolences may be shared at thurmanfuneral.com.