Richard Gene Taylor, 84, of De Valls Bluff, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at Baptist Medical Center in Stuttgart after 8 days of suffering from double pneumonia and other health issues over the past several months. Richard was a retired farmer; a deacon at the Hazen First Baptist church and a great father and grandfather. He was loved by many and never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his wife, Inez Taylor four months ago; his mother, Goldie Faupel ; stepdad, Charles Faupel; daughter, Melinda Jo, and dad, Ed Taylor.
Richard is survived by his son, Dean Taylor of De Valls Bluff and grandson, Sawyer Taylor of Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Friday, February 2, 2018 at Westbrook Funeral home in Hazen. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M., Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the First Baptist church in Hazen with burial in the Oakland Cemetery in De Valls Bluff.
I had the pleasure of sitting at the same table with Richard and his son, Dean, at our class reunion in St. Petersburg recently. Richard was friendly and congenial, and I was very impressed by the devotion shown by Dean toward his father while we were there for our reunion banquet. My thoughts are with Richard’s family. Richard was a really good person.
So sad to hear about Richard. He was in inspiration to members of our St. Petersburg High School class of 1952, and very loyal to his many friends over the years in attending our reunions. Our deepest sympathies to his family and for their loving caring for Richard. Special thanks to Dean in traveling with and caring for Richard on their trips to St. Pete. Richard’s great smile and friendliness will surely be missed> May God bless the Taylor family.
Malcolm King
’52 Class President
For some reason when we think of the name “Richard Taylor” the word “integrity” comes to mind. Perhaps that is because his impeccable character exemplified an integrity beyond reproach. Although he was sometimes a quiet man, his “integral” implicit and explicit faith spoke volumes. There was no question of Richard Taylor’s consistent adherence to Christian conservative values. My Dad, Ed Booth, a carpenter, became acquainted with Richard Taylor many years ago when Dad did some remodeling on the Faupel house. Dad spoke highly of Mr. Taylor then and all through the years we’ve heard people commend Mr. Taylor’s positive example of “living faith.” Scripture says that God considers the death of his saints as “precious.” May God’s Word and His Holy Spirit (the “Comforter.”) provide strength,comfort, and assurance to the Taylor family. Billy and Gail Booth
I am so sorry to learn of Richard’s passing. We always could count on his friendly presence at our St. Pete High class reunions. It was nice to have Inez there over the years also. Dean, I am happy that you and Richard were here last May to be part of our 65th celebration.
My sister Tricia Burgin and her husband, Bill, join me in sending fond thoughts of Richard and Inez, and our deepest sympathy to your family.
Peggy Harris
St. Petersburg, FL
Richard and Inez were our dear friends. They always sat with us at reunions. Had the pleasure of staying with them at their home in Arkansas. Met Dean and Sawyer last year.
Dean has been a wonderful son to his dad. Love you all . and God Bless. LOVE & PRayers
Phil, Shirley and Cheryl
Richard Gene was such a lovely, kind Christian man. I will always remember the respect he received from the other members of the Roe Men’s Club. The meetings could not begin without Richard Gene praying.
I always admired and respected Richard for his loyalty to our St. Petersburg High School class of 1952. He and Inez attended almost all of our reunions, coming a great distance, with no doubt much effort.
We will miss them. Condolences to Dean and all of Richards family and friends.
I can’t remember any of our past reunions without thinking of Richard. He always made the long journey to St. Pete and was welcomed by all of us.
I admired his wonderful spirit and attitude for life.
Condolences to Richards family and friends.
Bobbie Drummer Wray