Richard Neale Taylor, Sr., age 96, passed away early Monday, January 23, 2023. Visitation will be Saturday, January 28, at Greenview Funeral Home, from 11 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The funeral will be at 2:00. John Henry and Perry Taylor will be officiating assisted by other family members. Burial will follow in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens with military honors.
He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Mabel Perry Taylor; son, Ronnie Ernest; parents, Leonard and Lou Rette Taylor; brother, Duane Taylor; sisters, Zelma Davis, Zetta Sheehan, and June Lemmons. Richard and Mabel enjoyed 71 years together.
Richard is survived by three sons and one “adopted son,” Richard, Jr. (Janis) of Paducah, KY, Perry (Karen) of Murfreesboro, TN, Bruce (Debby) of Marietta, GA, and Hubert Powell of Florence, AL. He is survived by seven grandchildren, Chris (Tisha) Taylor, Grant (Tonya) Taylor, Heather (Dustin) Steele, Hannah (Derek) Ratliff, Renna (Ben) Clark, Kelsey (Dillon) Bagwell, and Joshua Taylor. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, Tori Sailors, Kylie Taylor, Caden Taylor, Taylor Steele, Nate Steele, Colt Steele, Faith Taylor, and Ella Clark.
“Brother” Taylor was known for his energetic work for the Lord, teaching at Mars Hill Bible School for 32 years, preaching for many churches of Christ in the Shoals, directing Maywood Christian Camp, administering the North Alabama Christian Children’s Home, serving as elder at Salem and Cloverdale congregations, doing mission work in Williamsburg, VA and especially in Thailand, piloting his Cessna plane, reaching out with his personal tracts, and a host of other labors of love. His dedication, love for singing, generous nature, and servant heart has influenced hundreds and thousands in North Alabama and around the world!
The family deeply appreciates Hubert Powell for his outstanding service, love, and care for our “Daddy” during his declining health.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mars Hill Bible School or the Thailand Literature Program of the Salem Church of Christ.
