By Steve Ahillen From Knoxville News Sentinel

A Facebook site titled “Gatlinburg Fire Missing and Found” reported Saturday morning that the Rev. Ed Taylor, 83, had died in the fire.

The report was not confirmed by officials, however, Taylor had been missing since the firestorm Monday night that burned more than 17,000 acres around Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. His son also reportedly confirmed the death.

Taylor was credited with bringing the wedding chapel business to Gatlinburg and was a fixture in the community for years.

Thirteen people have been reported dead as a result of the fire by Sevier County officials. One of the dead died of a heart attack. It was not known if Taylor was among those 13 or is an additional fatality.

The Facebook post stated: “Its with a very sad heart I share that the family of Rev. Ed Taylor has announced he perished in the fire. He was found inside his burnt cabin. Lifting his family in prayers!”

Friends were especially concerned when Taylor’s dog, BeBe, was found wandering the road by itself Wednesday. Taylor and the dog were always together.

Taylor, known in the area as “Rev. Ed,” retired last year from Gatlinburg Chapel Ministries. A Johnson City native, he became ordained in 1958 and has performed around 85,000 marriages. After the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage last year, Taylor made national news for guarding a “No Same-Sex Marriages” sign outside his chapel with a shotgun, to ward off vandals.

Beverly Black, a friend of Taylor’s, said she earlier in the week that she hadn’t heard from Taylor, who lives on Woodland Drive in Gatlinburg.

For more on this story and video go to: http://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/tennessee/2016/12/03/report-rev-taylor-among-dead-sevier-county-fire/94885788/

EDITOR: The above was sent to is by Cheryl Robeson Piggott of The Stars Foundation. Cheryl has been a regular contributor to iNews Cayman for over five years. Here is a message from her:

Knoxville News Sentinel Headlines photo today about the Gatlinburg TN .wide fires featured Hearts on Fire minister Roger J.Piggott praying with grief victims.   He prayed with over 70 people in 3 and a half hours at the Rocky Top Sports Complex at the disaster relief center outside Gatlinburg.TN.   So many people, even the rapid response teams, were grateful for the uplifting and warrior prayers, while sharing the gospel that Faith could only be found in Jesus Christ. People were reaching out for prayers and encouragement to ask for the things they needed,. as many there had lost everything they owned. They were fearful and too shy to seek assistance.  They were delighted to have any personal interaction with loving and concerned team members that could provide strength, encouragement and guidance. and not just the physical material needs given by the generous surrounding  service agencies and communities at large.  At present, the death toll sits at 11. God bless the afflicted.