James Ray Taylor

CMsgt (Ret) USAF James Ray Taylor, age 96, passed away on August 21, 2024, in Tallahassee, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 3, 1928, in Wausau, Florida, he was the son of Willie Taylor and Leaty Hicks Taylor. He was one of eight children and is predeceased by his parents and three brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his brother Charles Taylor and sister-in-law Yvonne Taylor of Crawfordville, Florida, his best friends who provided constant love and support. Ray distinguished himself through a notable career in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. His military service included critical roles in the Korean and Vietnam wars and notably as Chief in the Maintenance Analyst Division, Deputy Commander for Maintenance, 9th Headquarters Squadron, 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, California from 1965 -1970. During his retirement ceremony on November 30, 1970, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his contributions to the development of improved standards of effectiveness for the SR-71 Blackbird program at Beale AFB. Following his military career, Ray continued his service in the Civil Service, applying his extensive skills to benefit numerous projects at Tyndall AFB, Florida. Beyond his professional life, Ray was a dedicated member of the Lynn Haven Methodist Church, and he was deeply involved in the community in Panama City, Florida. He was also a Master Mason at Lodge 149 in Poughkeepsie, New York. Ray was a man of many talents, including hunting, fishing, and crafting handmade guitars and homemade fishing lures, both freshwater and saltwater. With all of his technical skills, he even built personal computers. All of these hobbies brought him great joy and allowed him to connect with friends and family. His ability to fix and build was legendary among those who knew him, making him the go-to person for anyone in need. And his gumbo recipe was unmatched. Ray leaves behind a legacy of courage, integrity and perpetual generosity and love. He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Elizabeth Louise Finch Taylor, and his two daughters, Carolyn Taylor Henry (Richard) and Linda Taylor Marks (Dwayne). His surviving grandchildren are Kathy Shores (Rod), Tyler Jarvis, Sam Jarvis, Troy Marks, Kyle Marks (Jessalyn), Rachel Bermudez (Manuel), and Monica Johnson (Jared). Ray was blessed to know and love 12 great-grandchildren, Lindsey Overbey, Cleary Armstrong, Jackson Marks, Preston Marks, Bradon Marks, Colton Marks, Austin Marks, Adalynn Marks, Nolan Bermudez, Harper Bermudez, Elizabeth Johnson, and his youngest who is his namesake, Anna James Ray Johnson. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Family Funeral Home of Crawfordville, in the Harvey Young Chapel, 3106 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, Florida. Visitation with family will begin at 9:30 AM and the service will begin at 10:00 AM. The committal service will take place at 2:30 PM (CST) at the Ferguson Cemetery in Wausau, Florida. Ray’s life and service will be honored in a ceremony with military honors provided by Tyndall Air Force Base to reflect his significant contributions to his country and his community. Ray leaves a lasting impact on all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed and forever cherished in the hearts of his beloved family and friends. Skip and Trey Young, along with Paula and Kimberly are assisting the family with arrangements. 850-926-5919, www.familyfhc.com

James Ray Taylor

February 3, 1928 - August 21, 2024