Richard "Chief" Taylor Sr.

Richard Taylor, Sr. was born June 3, 1926 in Marshall, Texas. He was the oldest child of seven siblings born to the parentage of Johnnie B. and Gertrude Dixon Taylor.

In pursuit of his dreams to become an entrepreneur as a young man, Richard was encouraged to join his two uncles who were employed as bricklayers by Union Carbide in Texas City, Texas.  Having worked several years as a Layman, Richard decided to reach for higher goals.  In partnership with a friend, C. C. Robinson, part of his dream became a reality.  His first funeral home venture was established in the late 1940’s, the Taylor-Robinson Funeral Home.


In 1952, Richard met and married the “Apple of his Eye”, Victoria V. “Vickie” Phelps, a school teacher, who became his most prudent business partner.  They were wonderfully blessed with one child, Richard “Ricky” Taylor, Jr.
Instilled in his religious background were the care and concern for others, a keen work ethic, and the knowledge that education can open many doors.


In the early 1950’s, Richard noticed the need for better housing and home improvement and the lack of legal representation in the black community.  He worked untiringly to eradicate injustice in the social, legal and political systems. He immediately began building and remodeling affordable housing in the black communities.  He was instrumental in opening the first bonding company to assist blacks in the legal process.  In 1953, the Taylor’s built the first black owned funeral home in Texas City/La Marque, Texas. 


Believing that choice, not chance determined his destiny, Richard continued to follow his dream to help the black community enjoy a better quality of life.  To afford better housing in the 1960’s, he built several apartment complexes and two subdivisions, which included Richard Court and the Sapphire-Diamond Center.


As the years passed and his vision for the black community continued to unfold and spiral to higher heights, Richard became affectionately known as “Chief” by both his contemporaries and the general public. 
Because of his tenacious spirit and caring attitude he remained a vital part of Mainland Funeral Home until the age of 88.  He was also in partnership with his son Ricky in the operation of the Plush Pub, Kids Enterprise Child Care and Fantastic Voyage which was one of the most ultra-modern day care centers in the State of Texas.  The day care center continues to operate as Fantastic Child Development Center.


Richard “Chief” Taylor Sr. later married Betty Jean Shannon Rhone Taylor who was his devoted wife of 34 years. Together, they are the proud parents of eight children:  Richard “Ricky” Taylor Jr., Melanie Rhone, Thomas Rhone, Kellie Richard (Ayrega), Brandye Rhone, Terry Scott Rhone, Tansie Brown (Gerald) and Kimberly A. Jones (Bennie, Jr.).

On the morning of Saturday, July 2, 2016, Richard “Chief” Taylor, Sr. passed into his eternal rest at his home with his loved ones by his side.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie B. Taylor Sr., Gertrude Dixon Taylor, and one brother, Tom Charles “T.C.” Taylor.


Left to celebrate memories of his life along with his beloved wife and children are his grandchildren: Victoria “Vickie” Taylor, Marcus Taylor, Jonifer Paige Ferguson, Jalen Ferguson, Raven Richard, Ayrega “Aj” Richard, Jr., Christopher Brown, Nicholas Brown, Bennie “A. J.” Jones, III, Brandon A. Jones; five great-grandchildren; his sisters, Nelderine Taylor Johnson and Aimee Taylor Berkley; his brothers, Roosevelt Taylor Sr., Alvin Taylor and Johnnie B. Taylor; and a host of nieces, nephews, family members, church members, colleagues and many friends.