Donald Taylor, 87, of Quitman passed away February 14, 2012 at the Presbyterian Home, Quitman, Ga. Mr. Taylor was born on Sept. 17, 1924 to Lizzie Mae (Watts) and James Roster Taylor of Brooks County.
Mr. Taylor is survived by his two sons Donald (Dawn) Taylor of Barney, Wilson Taylor of Jacksonville; a daughter, Velma Rhodes (Henry) Bratcher of Tallahassee and a son-in-law, Junior Pulliam of Madison. He is also survived by his sister; Verlyn Taylor (Winton) Wilson of Warner Robins, Ga., three brothers-in-law, Charles Bass and Ellis (Gladys) Bass. all of Madison and Jerry (Christine) Bass of Cherry Lake., two sisters-in-law, Minnie Lee Newborn of Madison and Fannie Mae “Mutt” (George) Purvis of Monticello; eight grandchildren: Michael (Kim) Taylor of Panama City, Fl., Deidre Taylor of Thomasville, David Taylor and Millie Taylor of Valdosta, Cheryl Revell and Sheldon (Shannon) Bratcher of Tallahassee, Keith (Tery) Bratcher of Crawfordville, and David Pulliam of Madison. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Mr. Taylor is predeceased by his parents, his first wife, Marion Wilson Taylor (April 1, 1975), his second wife, Neita Bass Rhodes Taylor (May 20, 2011) a daughter, Evelyn Rhodes Pulliam. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Taylor and his sister Amelia Taylor Chapman, a brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Russell and Lucille Bass, a brother-in-law, Enoch Newborn, and a brother and sister-in-law, Louie and Carolyn Rhodes.
Mr. Taylor lived all of his life in Brooks County, Ga., except for the three years he spent in service to his country. He graduated from Morven High School in 1942 and enlisted in the US Army entering into active service in 1943 where he served as a radio operator and supply technician in the Pacific with the Army Engineers in New Guinea and the Philippines reaching the rank of Staff Sgt. He was awarded the following service awards; The Good Conduct Medal, The American Campaign Medal, The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, The World War II Victory Medal, The Phillipine Liberatioin Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, the Expert Badge with Rifle Bar.
Mr. Taylor returned to Brooks County in 1947 and began work for the US Post Office, the Quitman Branch until his retirement in 1979. He married Marion Arneita Wilson on Aug. 3, 1947 and they had two sons – Donald “Donnie” and Wilson.
Mr. Taylor was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Quitman where he served faithfully many years in various positions – Deacon, Elder, Clerk of the Session, Church Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher and Trustee.
He married Neita Bass Rhodes on Jan. 2, 1976 and they moved to the Ochlawilla Community where they lived until declining health took them to the assisted living center at the Presbyterian Home, Quitman, Ga. After his retirement Mr. Taylor was active in NARFE (National Assoc. of Retired Federal Employees) and spent many hours at Moody AFB assisting retirees with their benefits.
Graveside services will be held Friday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. in Oak Hill Cemetery with Rev. Dewey Fountain officiating.
The family received friends at the funeral home Thursday from 6-8 p.m.
Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to The Presbyterian Home, 1901 West Screven St., Quitman, Ga. 31643 or Ochlawilla Baptist Church, 1315 Ochlawilla Rd., Quitman, Ga. 31643.
Condolences may be conveyed online at www.maxwellmillerfuneralhome.com
Maxwell-Miller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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