Gerald Tyson Taylor

Starkville

Gerald Tyson Taylor passed away peacefully in Starkville, MS on September 28, 2015 at 12:45 a.m. Gerald was the son of Tom and Vera Taylor and was born on June 28, 1932 in Mantachie, MS. He attended Mantachie Grammar School and Mantachie Junior High School prior to attending and graduating from Itawamba Agricultural High School in Fulton, MS. He later graduated from Itawamba Junior College with a degree in Agriculture and also holds two degrees from Mississippi State University which include a BS in General Agriculture and a MS in Dairy Sciences.

Gerald began his professional career with the Cooperative Extension Service in July, 1954 as the Assistant County Agent of Clay County in West Point, MS. He served two years in the US Army from 1954 - 1956 serving with the famous 3rd Infantry Division and was honorably discharged with the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

Gerald returned to the Extension Service as the Assistant County Agent of Union County in New Albany, MS before joining the MSU Extension staff in January, 1960 serving as an Assistant Extension Dairyman. He led an outstanding 4-H dairy program for Mississippi for 20 years. Under his leadership, Mississippi had 9 National Dairy winners and 2 alternate National Dairy winners. Gerald always said that he was blessed with a job and with fine young people who made his work more fun than a job.

Following retirement from Extension Dairy Science in 1985, Gerald avidly followed MSU sports. He was a founding MSU Baseball Foster Parent and traveled with his Bulldogs near and far including trips to Hawaii to cheer on the Diamond Dawgs. Other than MSU Football, Basketball and Baseball, Gerald also loved First Baptist Church in Starkville.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Gale C Taylor; his parents, Tom and Vera Taylor; and also a brother and two sisters. He is survived by one sister, Imogene Comer of Fulton, MS; one son, Steve Taylor (Margaret) of Starkville, MS; three daughters Tina T. Fawver (Todd) of Wichita, KS, Tammy T Killgore (George) of Smyrna, TN, and Rita T Willman (Bob) of Aurora, NE; grandchildren include Loren Scarbrough, Josh Taylor (Lynn), Chelsea Taylor, Nathan Fawver and Zach Fawver. He had three great grandchildren: Sophie Taylor, Hayes Taylor and Zoey Gordy.

Visitation will be held from 12:30 - 2 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 30, 2015. Services will also be held at Welch Funeral home beginning at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to the Gerald and Gale Taylor Scholarship Fund, MSU Foundation, Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762 or to First Baptist Church of Starkville, MS.

You can go online and leave the family a condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com.

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Published by Clarion Ledger on Sep. 29, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Taylor

7 Entries

larry Dunlap

October 2, 2015

I met Mr. Taylor when I was in the 5th grade at old East Union school in Union County. He came once a month to our 4-H club meetings. I was a very poor kid living way out in the county, but he came and picked me up and took me to the 4-H talent contest in New Albany because I didn't have a ride. He did this for several years. He helped for me to go the 4-H Conservation Camp at Choctaw Lake.
His selflessness and dedication to his job and his going way beyond the expected has always been a great example for my own life.
I regret that I lost track of him over the years and didn't realize he was living so close. I wish I could have told him personally that his kindness to a poor country boy was so much appreciated.
One quick story.
One year, around 1958-59, I went to the 4_H state talent contest held at Mississippi State. My father had given me $2 to eat on, not much even in 58. I started down the line in the cafeteria and looked at the prices, much too high for me. I saw some meat which I ordered. The lady asked if I wanted anything else and I said "No." When I got to the end of the line Mr. Taylor asked the same thing. I told him no. He said, "You know we are paying for the meal don't you?" I nodded, too embarrassed to admit I didn't. I went to my table and ate my beef liver. I hated beef liver. He tried to get me something else, but I suffered it out.
Mr. Taylor was respected by all the kids ing our 4H club. God used him in my life when I needed a friend and mentor. I have been a pastor for over 46 years now and I thank God for bringing Mr. Taylor into my life those many years ago.

Jackie and Nina Wofford

September 30, 2015

We will continue to remember you in our prayers.

"Beb" (Nelda) and "Bitsy" (Gerald) c. 1934

Dave and Gara Strong

September 30, 2015

To Steve, Tammy, Tina, and Rita: Our hearts go out to you as you mourn the loss of your sweet dad. He was a precious soul in my life, and even though we live miles from him, knowing he was there was a comfort to me since the death of my mom, his sister Nelda, or as he called her "Beb". They were born on the same day three years apart, and he was always precious to her, too. I will miss our phone chats and "dropping in" on him and Aunt Gale from time to time. We love you and pray for you today and in the days ahead when sweet memories break in your thoughts when you least expect them. Love, Dave and Gara McCarthy Strong

Frank and Sunny Ainsworth

September 29, 2015

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Frank and Sunny Ainsworth

September 29, 2015

Remembering you in our thoughts and prayers.

Todd Hutchinson

September 29, 2015

I will always remember mr. taylor at most of the dairy shows i was in.. Loved to see him and hear him!!He will be missed..

September 29, 2015

May you find comfort from God

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