John Leslie Taylor
March 14, 1930 ~ November 18, 2008
HUGHES SPRINGSFuneral services for John L. Taylor, 78, of Naples, will be at 11:00 AM, Sunday, November 23, 2008 at Antioch Baptist Church in Naples, TX. Burial will be at Morning Star Cemetery in Naples, TX under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home, Inc. God sent his heavenly angel down to take his beloved Son to glory. Brother John Leslie Taylor was born March 14, 1930 in Naples, Texas to the parentage of the late Lenora D. Hunter and Ardmore Taylor. He departed his life on November 18, 2008, leaving with many family and friends, lots of cherished memories. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a devoted Christian and active member at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church for many years. He was born in Naples and moved to Dallas as a child. He returned to Naples and graduated from Carver High School. A strong believer in education, he received an Associates degree at McNeese College and return back to the military. He was stationed at Fort Gordon, Ga; Fort Monmouth, NJ; Lackland Air Force Base, Alaska; Panama, Korea, several tours in Germany and twice to Vietnam. He was a devoted Soldier, as a 10th Special Forces Green Brea, who was honored with numerous commendations and awards for his outstanding and dedicated service. He Retired with 25 years of honorable service as a Non Commissioned Officer. Soon after, he was employed with the federal government at Red River Army Depot where he again retired after 9 years. John Leslie, as he was affectionately known and called by his beloved mother, served in many positions in his church. He served the lord as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, Sunday school Secretary, Usher and board member. John was a gracious servant to the areas School board and was City Councilman for many years. He served in various positions of responsibility in the county and has been an active participant with the Naples Watermelon Festival, and was selected as the 2006 Grand Marshal. Brother John was an honorable, giving, intellect and charismatic individual. He was a true perfectionist in organization and truly out-spoken and passionate in his beliefs. He was the epitome of a talker. John had a good Conversation for anyone. He could converse on most any topic and before you realized it, Taylor as he is also known and called by family and friends, has engaged you in talking, for hours on end, and you end up enjoying all his old war-stories. He was known to keep you laughing but also he was blessed with so much wisdom. He was truly a family-man, sincerely devoted to his children and grandchildren. John was always willing and tentative to their needs and activities. He loved to travel to be with his grandchildren and a love for fishing and gardening. Brother John leaves to cherish precious memories, four daughters: LaCarole Faulkner of Moorestown, NJ; Karen Williams of Orlando, Fl; Kimberly Johnson of Kannapolis, NC; and Tracey Taylor of Orlando, Fl, resulting from the marriage of previous wife Katherine Taylor. He also has a Step-son Kenya M. King currently stationed in Hamberg, Germany as a result of the marriage of Mildred Taylor of Naples, Texas. He has two sons-in-law: Leonard Faulkner and Shadee Johnson; 11 grandchildren, one great grandchild; Sister-in laws, Brother-in-laws, aunts, uncles, and a host of nieces and nephews. Mr. Taylor will lie in state on Saturday, November 22, 2008 at the funeral home and the family will receive friends from 6-8 PM.
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I am so sorry for your loss. I have lost a very wonderful client and friend. I looked forward each month to seeing and visiting with Mr. John when he came to my office to pay his insurance. Naples has lost a very special person and Mr. John will be sorely missed.Beth Wright Wiley
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Taylor when I was in the car business at Pete Mankins Pontiac/Cadillac in Texarkana. I was one of the many people who enjoyed his conversation and company. He used to tell me about his days in the Army and his time as a City Councilman. He will be someone I will always remember. I was shocked to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
I will truly miss John Leslie. He was my "son". I could always depend on him. He was a true friend. I looked forward to his telephone calls and the trips to the grocery store or to my doctor appointments. He was always someone I could call upon and knew he would be there. He made my day a much better one just with his presence. He will surely be missed. I am blessed to have had him in my life. He called me "Mama Son" and I called him my son and friend. (Lorraine Collins- Naples, TX)