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Houston Taylor Obituary
Born August 3, 1924, he was the son of Oscar Eugene and Mamie Catherine Leopard Taylor of Laurens County. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, JoClair Ellenberg Taylor.
Houston grew up in Laurens, SC, and served in the U.S. Navy during WW II. He attended Emmanuel College, Newberry College, and earned a master's degree from the University of South Carolina in 1951.
He was the principal of Bush River High School, Ford High School, and served as area superintendent of Gray Court-Owings Schools. He retired as superintendent of Special Services and Adult Education for Laurens District 55.
Rev. Taylor was an ordained minister in the Upper South Carolina Conference of the Pentecostal Holiness Church. He served Long Branch Pentecostal Holiness Church, Clinton, SC; First Pentecostal Holiness Church of Newberry, Tryon Pentecostal Holiness Church, North Carolina; Rock Bridge Presbyterian Church, Clinton, SC; and Woods Chapel United Methodist Church, Greer, SC. Rev. Taylor was known for being an excellent administrator, Bible teacher, and counselor. He enjoyed farming, music, and having his large family gathered together.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a sister, Nina Ruth (John) Snellgrove of Columbia, SC; seven children, Glynda Caddell of Greenville, SC, Houston D. (Lynda LeGere) Taylor Jr. of Watkinsville, GA, Susan (Jennings) Putnam of Inman, SC, Stephen (Cynthia) Taylor of Florence, SC, Thomas (Laura Wright) Taylor of Greenville, SC, Beth Taylor of Greenwood, SC, and Ann (Merritt) Moseley of Newberry, SC; 12 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son-in-law, Eddie Taylor.
A private family graveside service will be conducted at 10:00 in Saturday in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Laurens.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, at Wightman United Methodist Church, Prosperity, SC, by the Rev. Michael Turner.
The family is located at his residence, 203 N. Main St., Prosperity, SC 29127.
Memorials may be sent to the WARM Fund, Wightman United Methodist Church, PO Box 376, Prosperity, SC 29127.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Houston Taylor
Dot Stoddard Turner
November 9, 2011
Mrs. Taylor and family,
Joey and I send our most heartfelt condolences. Mr. Taylor always chuckled at how 2 of his students from 2 of his schools (Joey from Ford & me from GC-O) came to be married. He was a good man that made a memorable impression on all who knew him. He will be missed greatly. My dad thought the world of him and was proud to call him 'friend'. May God give you the strength and peace necessary to endure the difficult days ahead.
With love and many hugs,
Kenneth Emory
November 4, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
November 4, 2011
My sincerest condolences to you and your family Lauren. Your Grandpa's legacy abounds in the wonderful family he has to cherish and honor his memory. Celebrate his life and the memories he created for everyone. My prayers are with you all. Papa Carbone
Linda Cain Cox
November 3, 2011
Glynda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know your dad will be sorely missed by all--he was such a good man. I hope the wonderful memories you have of him will help you in the months to come. With love, Linda
Penny & Matt Slaton
November 3, 2011
Penny and I offer our deepest condolences to you and your family, Susan. He obviously was a much loved and respected man. He will most definitely rest in peace knowing that he has raised a fine family and touched and improved the lives of many over the years.
Paula Dockery Aiken
November 3, 2011
Mr. Taylor was certainly a man of distinction. I will always remember how he took time out so many times to discuss things with me when I would ask his advice. I just always knew whatever his answer was, it was the right answer. What a wonderful man and father he was. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
November 3, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Houston. He was a person that touched many lives and will be greatly missed. God has a place for Mr Houston and he will do great things through our father . God bless each of you.
Bruce And Dorothy Connelly
Kathy Smith
November 3, 2011
Sending love and prayers for the entire family. I have so many fond memories of the Taylor family when they made their home in Gray Court. I especially remember the beautiful Christmas tree decorated just inside the doorway. Our loss is heaven's gain, he is strolling the streets of Gold today....Cherish the memories! Kathy Hames Smith
Sandi Turner
November 3, 2011
Dear Taylor Family,
Our loss is Heaven's gain! Lifting you all up in prayer.
Sandi & Michael Turner
November 3, 2011
Dear family, I don't know if you will remember me or not. My name is Donnis Lambert Quinn, and I attended Ford School. I was in the same grade and room as Stephen, and I remember Stephen and Susan very well....I also remember Mr. Taylor, always being a gentle, quiet spoken, Southern gentleman with a very kind smile. I am so sorry to hear about your loss, and will keep you in my prayers... I knew that Mr. Taylor was a minister, but didn't realize it was of the Pentecostal Faith. I too, am Pentecostal. I play the keyboard at my Church, and sing in a trio with Susan Childress, who is married to Bob Taylor....I believe he is your cousin.
I have thought about your family often over the years, and pass by the house that you used to live in as children, on my way to Church, several times a week. I also work at Ford Elementary in a kindergarten class, and my husband works there in maintenance.
Your family is still well thought of in this area, and I know that you will all miss your father terribly. Lean on the LORD for comfort and help, as I know you will.
GOD bless,
Donnis Lambert Quinn
Pam Curry Armstrong
November 2, 2011
So sorry for your loss
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