One was a towering man with a renowned soft-side, an NFL legend and a should-be Hall of Famer.

The other was an outgoing 18-year-old who made friends with everyone he met and wanted those around him to love one another.

Ironton resident Coy Bacon and South Point High School graduate Roman Corey Taylor couldn’t have been more different, yet the men had one powerful thing in common: They left a legacy based on the way they lived and how they touched the lives of others.

Bacon died last Monday at the age of 66. Taylor was killed in a tragic car accident Christmas night.

Hundreds came out to pay their respects to each Monday and Tuesday, respectively, further testament that these individuals’ impact will live on even while they have gone to a better place.

Lawrence County — and our world in general — will be changed because the loss of these two men who seem to be universally loved by their friends, family and peers.

Coy, universally regarded as one of the greatest defensive linemen to play professional football, never forgot where he came from. The man returned to his roots and dedicated his life to helping coach and mentor our county’s youth.

Taylor was a star athlete at South Point but friends said that never went to his head. A good student as well, Taylor led by example.

South Point principal John Maynard may have summed it up best.

Corey was “a fine example of a human being, well rounded, sometimes funny, a good looking young man. He made his family proud. He made his community proud.”

Each of us can learn from these two men. The lesson is that we should live our lives to the fullest and strive to make the lives of others better.

If we do that, we are sure that Corey and Coy would be proud of our efforts in their name.