Finis Taylor

Finis "Buddy" Taylor, 87, went to heaven on Nov. 17, 2011. He was born in Mt. Vernon, Ark., on July 12, 1924. Buddy was a Christian, soldier, farmer, antiques dealer, and an extraordinary husband and father. He was the son of John and Maggie Taylor and was the final survivor of their 10 children. He grew up in Mt. Vernon and graduated from Floyd High School. While at school, he made lifelong friends and met the love of his life, Claudine Newman. He and Claudine, always called "Dean" by Buddy, were married for 66 years. Buddy's time spent in World War II left vivid memories with him. As a combat infantryman, he led his squad across Germany and Belgium from Hertgen Forrest to the Rhine River. After returning from the war, he became a farmer. When drought hit and made farming impossible, he took a bold step, moved his family to Little Rock and opened a furniture store. At his store, Taylor's Antiques, he enjoyed the interaction with his customers and many became good friends over the years. In 1978, he moved Taylor's Antiques to Romance, Ark. He enjoyed raising cattle and chickens, as well as a huge vegetable garden. These were precious years for Buddy and Dean. Buddy was a faithful member and Sunday school teacher at Romance Church of Christ. He is survived by his beloved wife, Claudine Taylor, and their three children and their spouses: Judy and Dick Robertson, Larry and Kerri Taylor, Aleta and Randy Cone. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Kelly Wilkins, Clark Robertson, Chris Cone, Jeremy Cone, Julia Taylor, Ethan Taylor and seven great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 from 2-4 p.m. at Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. Dewitt Henry Drive, Beebe, Ark. Funeral services will be held Monday, Nov. 21, 2011 at 10 a.m. at Westbrook Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Romance Cemetery. www.westbrookfuneralhome.com