Ernest Eugene Taggart

Ernest Eugene Taggart, affectionately known as Tagg, Tiger, Bill, and Pa Pa, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on November 28, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio, at the age of 89. Born on May 4, 1936, in Selma, Alabama, to Blanche Theresa Taggart and Myrie Squire, Ernest was raised by his devoted mother and grandmother, Mattie Bell Taggart. The oldest of five siblings, Ernest grew up surrounded by love, responsibility, and strong family values that guided his life’s journey.

As a teenager, Ernest moved to Cleveland, Ohio, to live with his Uncle Walter “Lacey” Taggart, where he graduated from Glenville High School in 1955. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from April 20, 1956, until his honorable discharge on April 9, 1959. A lifelong learner, he later earned an associate degree from Cuyahoga Community College in 1977. Ernest worked as a Building Engineer for the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) until his retirement in the early 1990s, a career he took great pride in.

Ernest was known as “Tiger” on the golf course—a nickname he wore with pride and one that perfectly matched his love for the game. Golf was more than a hobby; it was his PASSION, one he pursued year-round by spending winters in Tampa, Florida. Beyond the greens, Ernest was a faithful servant of God, remaining active in his church communities in both Tampa and Cleveland.
He will be lovingly remembered for his honesty, generosity, and steadfast dependability. Ernest was a man who called things as he saw them but always showed up when needed most.

Ernest is survived by his daughter, Tonia “Shane” Taggart Adams (Vernard Adams); sons, Bernard Taggart and Ronald Headen, beloved grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Susie Ann Taggart; his mother, grandmother, and brothers Jack, Jesse “Red,” and Albert “Lil Albert” Taggart.

A funeral and burial service will be held Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Dayton National Cemetery, 4400 W. Third St., Dayton, Ohio.

You lived life the way you wanted and enjoyed doing so until your last breath. We will miss you deeply, and your legacy will never be forgotten—rest well, sir.