Blake Aaron Taylor, 19, unexpectedly left this world in a car accident Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. Yet, he has not and never will leave our hearts or our memories.

He was a freshman at Ball State University in Muncie, majoring in accounting. Upon moving to campus, he quickly made many new friends with his bright smile, endless humor and genuine love.

Blake was born Aug. 13, 1993 in Baltimore, Md. The following May, his family returned to Kokomo, where Blake grew up. He attended Northwestern Elementary, Middle and High schools. He was passionately devoted to the sport of baseball. Every one of his teammates and coaches spoke of what a talented player and dependable teammate he was. He worked diligently and passionately at his sports and everything else in life. His determination and hard work motivated others to better themselves. He never failed to keep the team's spirits up with his jokes and good spirit. He brought the same laughter and cheer to the teams at Pizza Hut on Sycamore Road and Reed Road, where he worked for three years. Everyone had a better time playing or working when Blake was around.

One of Blake's best features was his smile. Everyone who knew him could not help but be warmed by it. It was infectious. He had the biggest, brightest smile that lit up the room and everyone around him. He loved to make people laugh and never failed at it. He was never afraid to push the boundaries or get in trouble just to make something funny. His joking around and light spirit brought constant joy to all who knew him.

Above all else, he loved his family more than anything in the world. From the moment he was born, his parents, Danny and Kimberly Taylor, never stopped giving him unconditional love that knew no bounds. This love was only multiplied when his younger sister, Kaci, joined the family. He never stopped loving and protecting her. They could talk about absolutely anything, and he was a kind of father figure to her. Blake was so proud of his little sister. His parents did the most wonderful job raising him; he was the best boy out there. It is impossible to express in words the profound love shared between all of Blake's family members and how proud they were of him. Every one of his relatives will forever carry a special piece of Blake in their hearts. This family was and is always full of support, laughter and love.

Blake's girlfriend, Sara Pecina, was most graciously welcomed into the Taylor family and will remain a member forever. As a boyfriend, Blake went above and beyond. He always gave Sara endless support, demonstrated by him driving several hours away multiple times to see her dance in her concerts. Blake was 100 percent loyal every moment of every day to her and everyone he knew. He constantly gave her his love and made her happier than anyone else on the planet. They still love each other with every bit of their souls. Some may call it young love, but it was undoubtedly deep, true and infinite.

More than anything, Blake genuinely wanted people to be happy. It was part of his instinct to do whatever would make someone smile. He never stopped giving. Blake chose to be an organ donor when he got his license. He has donated and will forever change people's lives with that. A million good people could not make up for the greatness he was going to bring to this world. Blake would want us to smile now and always. He would want us to smile as we celebrate his wonderful life these next days and as we carry him in our hearts forever. He most certainly will never be forgotten and will never stop bringing happiness to everyone he knew, just like he always wanted.

He is survived by his parents, Danny and Kim Taylor, Kokomo; sister, Kaci Nicole Taylor, Kokomo; girlfriend, Sara Beth Pecina, Kokomo; paternal grandparents, Helen Elaine and Chuck Woodruff, Fairmount; maternal grandparents, Joyce Ellen King, Cicero, and Glen Mack and Wanda King, Kokomo; maternal great-grandparents, Mary Catherine and Don Phillips, Indianapolis; aunts and uncles, Greg and Rebecca King, Russiaville, Amy Haworth, Fairmount, and Shelley and Dave Butts, Kokomo; several cousins; and many, many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Danny Taylor.

Funeral services celebrating Blake's life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Chapel Hill Christian Church, 2600 W. Alto Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Russ Smith officiating. Burial will follow in South Union Cemetery in western Howard County. Friends are invited to call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church, or one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory to establish a scholarship in Blake's memory.

Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.