James Ray Taylor

Mr. James Ray Taylor, 74, of Fulton died Friday, August 19, 2022, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.

Services will be held at noon on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Brooks Chapel Kingdom Harvest Church. Interment will follow in Greenlea Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

A Time to Be Born:
A man of God, James Ray Taylor was born July 1,1948 to the late Johnny and Augusta (Rivers) Taylor in Bolivar, TN.

A Time to Learn and Work:
Ray was eager to learn as much as he could and much of what he did learn was self-taught and simply through experiencing life. He gained wisdom from watching his parents, siblings, and by staying observant and welcoming to new experiences simply to better understand the world in which he lived. Ray grew up in a time that demanded the young to help provide for their families and because of who he was and to whom he belonged he did just that without complaint. He worked alongside his parents and a few other siblings picking cotton in the cotton fields to ensure his sisters and brother had what they needed because of the person he was. Ray found a love for driving at a very early age and was determined to make a career of it. He was a truck driver for over 50 years and has traveled the world and captured many experiences.

A Time to Grow and Serve:
James Ray Taylor professed his trust in Jesus Christ and accepted him as his personal Lord and Savior, and this was demonstrated in the life he lived. Ray was not boastful nor motivated by personal accolades, his service to others and towards the kingdom of God was much like Joseph in the Bible. Simply put, Ray’s actions spoke louder than words. His service to others was by giving to those in need, sharing his contagious laugh and bringing together folks from all walks of life. One of Ray’s most memorable services to others, is a well-known fact for is his perfectionist work on the grill and in the kitchen. Ray loved to eat, but he delighted in feeding others. He could throw down on the grill with well-seasoned and tender barbeque. He and everyone else looked forward to his annual fish fries when he would invite people from all over to come get some of his self-caught, self-cleaned, and seasoned fish. He just had a way of getting people together around a table to eat and have a good time. James Ray Taylor meant so much to so many, and he loved his family dearly. Ray loved to go to his grandkids sporting events, teach others how to fish, and loved to travel to see family members to share memories.

A Time to Say Goodbye:
On August 19, 2022, at approximately 5:07 our beloved James Ray Taylor while at Jackson Madison County General Hospital surrounded by family, friends, and a host of heavenly angels, went to be with The Lord Almighty. He transitioned peacefully sound and now resides in the arms of the Lord. For now, we will say see you later, but we will forever cherish the memories, the legacy, and keep you in our hearts. So many have been touched by your strong presence, kind words, gentle embrace, compassionate tone, excellent wisdom, lasting guidance, teachable moments, and unconditional love. James Ray Taylor's smile, laughter, and his stoic demeanor will always reign within the family through those he loved.

To those who welcome James Ray Taylor into the Heavenly Kingdom:
His maternal grandparents; Mary and Gus Rivers and paternal grandparents; Sam and Lula Taylor, Parents; Johnny and Augusta Taylor ; Brothers: James Edward, Henry Lee , Tony Lynn Taylor; Sisters: Jeannette Marie Taylor , granddaughter; Fara Caslyn Taylor; a sister-in-law Franandra Thomas and a host of other family members and loving friends welcomed him into Heaven's Gate.

James Ray Taylor leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Tansandra Taylor whom he married May 13, 2017; his sons whom he loved dearly: Willie Ray Taylor, and Marlon Lamont Taylor (Cashmere); his daughters whom he adored Linda Jean Taylor (Jerry), Nicola "Pooh" Noonan, Keka Raeshell Bond (James), Samantha Rae Graham (Fenton). His stepson; Bayron Parker (Celeste), his stepdaughters; Lasheena Brooks, and Lasonia Brooks. Also, to cherish his memories are his four sisters: Mary Louise (John) Hunter, Betty Lou Horton, Gertie Johnson, Carolyn Taylor; his six brothers: Terry (Wanda) Taylor, Mike (Diane) Taylor, Ike Taylor, John Lee Taylor, Willie (Grace) Taylor, and Clarence Taylor. He also leaves behind two brothers-in-law; William K. (Gloria) Wright, and Robert Thomas who was married to the late Franandra Thomas; two sisters-in-laws; Cassandra (Ruban) Castro, and Karenja Wright. Ray Taylor also leaves behind a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends who will carry his memories in their hearts.

Rawls Funeral Home - South Fulton 731-479-2181