SOUTH PORTLAND — Harlan C. Taylor III, 56, of South Portland, died on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012, at Maine Medical Center.

He was born in Portland on Sept. 3, 1955, the son of Harlan C. Jr. and Dolores E. (Smith) Taylor. He attended local schools where he played basketball and football, and graduated from Portland High School, Class of 1973.

He married Karen Dean on Oct. 28, 1983, in South Portland at the Thornton Heights Methodist Church. His first job after graduating was for A.H. Benoit and Co. He then worked for Shaw’s and Tim Horton’s as a baker. He continued his career at Maine Medical Center as a cook where he retired in 2010.

His joy in life, and first priority, were his children, their accomplishments and their wellbeing. Most recently, the birth of his first grandson made his life complete. Since he was a Yankees fan, he always enjoyed teasing his family about Red Sox losses. He loved playing football pools, often winning the weekly prizes.

He was predeceased by his father.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years; two sons, Matthew Taylor of Harrison and Travis Taylor of Portland; two daughters, Allison Taylor of Portland and Kristin Taylor of Lisbon; his mother, Dolores Small of Mechanics Falls; a sister, Pamela Main of Old Orchard Beach.

Visiting hours were held on Monday, Aug. 6, at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A funeral service was held Monday at the chapel. Burial took place on Tuesday, Aug. 7, at Brooklawn Memorial Park, Congress Street, Portland. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to: The American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074.