Gary Lynn Taylor passed away on September 20, 2023 at Tishomingo Manor in Iuka. Born to Grady and Louise Branson Taylor, on December 27, 1944, he was 78. After graduating from Belmont High School, he attended Northeast Community College before receiving his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at Mississippi State. He later completed his Master’s degree at State and his Educational Specialist degree at Mississippi College.
He began his teaching career in Moulton, Alabama before returning to teach agriculture at Tishomingo High School. When the construction of the Vocational Center was complete, he moved there to teach Agricultural Mechanics. He became the Director in 1986 and served for 22 years. During that time he was the Tishomingo County Tech Prep Coordinator working to incorporate computer technology into the schools. He also supervised the GED programs and the STEP program to combat dropout problems.
In addition to school work, he was an Alderman for the Town of Tishomingo for 20 years and served as a commissioner for the Soil and Water Conservation service for 23 years. He also served on the Tishomingo County Electric Board including several terms as President. He was active in the Methodist Church and served in many capacities including as a Sunday School teacher and music leader. In 2014, he was named Tishomingo’s Citizen of the Year.
In his spare time he was an outdoorsman. He was a state champion skeet shooter and an avid hunter, but he particularly loved his farm and all things farm related. When he retired he was most often found on a tractor or mower tending the land.
Services will be Sunday, September 24, 4 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel in Belmont, Mississippi with Rev. Steve Kennedy officiating. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until service at 4 p.m. Burial will be in Belmont City Cemetery. Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont, MS will be in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Anne Griffin Taylor and sons, John-Grady Taylor and wife, Erica and Justin JaHue Taylor and wife, Megan. He treasured four grandchildren, Andrew, Claire-Mann, Zoe and Cela-Cathryn. He also leaves behind sisters-in-law, Jeannie Taylor and Janet Savoy (John); brother-in-law, Tim Griffin (Dixie); five nieces, two nephews, three great-nieces and three great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Larry Taylor and a nephew, Bran Taylor.
Pallbearers will be Harry Bowman, Billy Southward, Frankie Howie, Blake Taylor, Lee Griffin, Jack Alexander, Kent McClung and Anthony Stone. Honorary pallbearers will be colleagues of Tishomingo County Vocational Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Griffin-Taylor Memorial Scholarship Fund for Tishomingo County Career and Technical Center, c/o Tishomingo County Career and Technical Center or at First American National Bank.
JUDY LYNN RIVERS
BELDEN, MS –Judy Lynn Rivers, 60, died Sunday, September 17, 2023 at Sanctuary Hospice, Tupelo, MS. She was born April 20, 1963 to Jerry and Eunice Ware. She attended school at Tishomingo where she graduated in 1981. Judy enjoyed basketball and cheerleading. She went on to Northeast Community College and then attended Mississippi State University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Education, followed by a Masters of Education. After finishing school, Judy’s first job was teaching at Tishomingo Elementary. She loved kids and the kids loved Ms Judy. She was the teacher that every parent wanted their kids to have as their teacher. She taught her later years at Cherokee, AL where she retired with over thirty-two years. Judy loved animals. She grew up riding and showing quarter horses. She enjoyed the company of two of her best friends, “Missy” and “Smokey” but most of all, Judy loved her son, James. She enjoyed watching him grow to become a fine young man. She was a member of Harris Chapel Baptist Church.
Services will be Sunday, September 24, 3 p.m. at Highland Baptist Church, Dennis, MS with Bro. David Smith officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery. Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont, MS will be in charge of arrangements.
She is survived by her son – James Rivers, Cherokee, AL; her mother – Eunice Ware, Tupelo, MS; brother – Jeff Ware (Cheryl) Tupelo, MS; sister – Tammy Sparks (Stan) and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, her close friend, Mel Posey and a brother-in-law, Phillip Sparks.
Pallbearers will be Jamie Sparks, Jared Ware, James Rivers and Jeff Ware.
Visitation will be Sunday, September 24, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. at Highland Baptist Church.
