Obituaries

Thomas Lester Taylor

Photo of Thomas  Lester Taylor
Thomas Lester "Sonny" Taylor,79, of Redfield, Arkansas (Orion Community) went to be with Jesus on September 15, 2012 at UAMS. He was born on February 23, 1933 to the late Lester Ardell Taylor and Johnnie Saline Camp Taylor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Thomas "Tommy" Taylor Jr., a sister, Mary Saline Dickens and brothers, J.W. Taylor and Benny Taylor. He was a very dedicated Christian man, father, husband, grandfather and papaw who loved the Lord. He was a member and retired Deacon of Orion Missionary Baptist Church in Redfield, Arkansas. He had a loving and giving heart, always wanting and giving hugs and shaking your hand. He never met a stranger and loved to talk about the Lord, his service time and his heritage. He retired from the United States Navy after 20 years of service all over the world and the Unites States as a Chief Petty Officer. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars as well as peace time. He loved his country, was very patriotic, and was committed to representing the US Navy in every way possible. He was a skilled carpenter and millwright for many years and worked at NCTR. Even after two strokes and other medical problems, he continued to be as active as possible. He always loved working with his hands and he was determined to do as much as possible even with his disabilities. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Annie Harlene (Owen) Taylor of Redfield; Son, Joseph A Taylor and wife May Ellen of Muldrow, OK and a daughter, Sandra Taylor Smith of Redfield; Six grandchildren, Charity, Melanie, Bethany, Gabe, Jordan, Alex and Abigail. Two great-grandchildren, Kyrie and Travis, a sister, Shelba Taylor Parker and husband Jim of Andrews, Texas and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, friends and church family. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at Orion Missionary Baptist Church in Redfield with Bro. Jimmy Easley, Bro. John Mooney, and Bro. Jerry Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Orion Cemetery. Pallbearers are Mike Owen, Jeremy Rook, Edgar Porter, Neal Porter, Adam Ashley, Andy Ashley, Mike Hood, Kenny Ashley, Ted Owen, and David White. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 942-1306. To sign the online guestbook, www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

Published September 18, 2012

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