Donald Earl Taylor, Sr., age 83, of Coffeeville, died Friday, October 21, 2011 at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, TN. He was born to the late Calhoun Bowers "Buster" and Sally Kate McCrory Taylor on August 23, 1928 and became a paint contractor in the Memphis area for 48 years with his own business. His favorite pastimes were deer and squirrel hunting and fishing. He was an avid MS State Bulldog fan and had a special place in his heart for his beloved Beagle, "Spot." He attended Coffeeville First Baptist Church and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Visitation is planned for Monday, October 24 from 6 until 8 PM at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley. Funeral services are set for Tuesday morning at 10 AM in the Henry Chapel at Seven Oaks with his brother-in-law, Rev. Gus Jenkins Shelly officiating. Burial will follow at 3 PM in Memphis Memory Gardens in Memphis, TN with Joseph Taylor, Nathanael Cotton, Marty Turner, Micky Turner, JoJo Nichols, Gerry Taylor, and Jeff Taylor serving as pallbearers. Leslie Buford and Junior Redwine will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Donald is survived by his wife, Tillie Shelly Taylor of Coffeeville, MS; a daughter, Roxie Presgrove of Southaven, MS; two sons, Donald Earl Taylor, Jr. of Southaven, MS and Shelly Taylor and his wife, Tena of Oxford, MS; two brothers, Alton Taylor of Kosciusko, MS and James Taylor of Picayune, MS; five grandchildren and three great granddaughters.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Calvin Taylor and Billy Taylor.