of Damascus, AR
October 24, 1930 - December 18, 2022
James Loyd Taylor, 92, of Damascus, passed away peacefully at his daughter's home on December 18, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was born October 24, 1930 in Iuka, Mississippi to the late James Ervin and Ida Belle Taylor. James was also preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Mary Elizabeth Taylor, 5 sisters and 3 brothers.
He is survived by his daughter, Debbie (James) Shofner; grandchildren, Stacy (Scott) Dickson and James (Suanne) Bowen; great grandchildren, Kourtni Lancaster and Alex Bowen; great-great grandchild, Sterling Lancaster and a host of family and friends.
We must celebrate him by sharing stories, recalling fond memories or looking through photos with family and friends. He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and a friend to all who knew him. He was born in Mississippi, but spent most of his life in Southern Arkansas. He was an agricultural farmer for 60 years. There was nothing he enjoyed more than going to work every day. He especially enjoyed it when Debbie, Stacy, Adam and Mary would come to visit him in the fields. His farming days are some of the favorite memories of the family and were some of his favorites too. When he wasn't farming you would find him out working in the garden, which he had every year. He loved tilling up the garden, tending to it and enjoying the fruits of his labor. He and Gram used to love to can vegetables together. The times you would find him in the house, which were rare, he would be eating Grams wonderful food he loved so much or watching wrestling or a western on TV. He also enjoyed sitting outside on the porch swing with his wife and family. He loved his trips to Wal-Mart, McDonalds and Burger King. If any of us couldn't get a hold of him or he and Gram were not home, we knew he would be at 1 of those 3 places.
He was the perfect example of a kind and decent man with a sweet spirit about him that just drew people to him. He never met a stranger and his laugh was infectious. Every year he always looked forward to the family reunions and Christmas parties. He made sure to always stay in touch with everyone because that's just who he was. Nothing made him happier than his family. He has touched each one of our lives in a special way. Let us now walk away and honor him by smiling because he is now pain free and with our Lord, rejoicing in Heaven. Let it give us joy to know that he will be greeted by his wife and loved ones who have gone before him.
A Graveside Service will be Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 1:00PM at Spires Cemetery in Damascus, Arkansas.
My Papaw used to watch my brother and I as kids during the summer. He always made us laugh and every memory I have of him involves his smile. I remember helping him garden and helping Mamaw shuck peas on the couch. My heart hurts to know he's gone but it rejoices to know he and Mamaw are back together. Their love is truly one to bask in.
My condolences to all family and friends. RIP and fly high.
My sincerest condolences on your family loss.
Some of my fondest memories growing up was visiting Aunt Mary and Uncle Lloyd in Elaine. Uncle Lloyd was a natural born entertainer and easily entertained.
There's a special and perfect garden waiting for him.
We love you Debbie, Stacy, and Adam.
Jerry and Maria.
What a heart felt tribute to your grandfather. I know he loved his family so much from the nice things you said about him and you loved to go and have lunch and spend time with him. My heart is hurting for you. You’re all in my prayers. We have a hope in Jesus. Deepest sympathy, love Cheryl
He is already missed greatly. My prayers go out to Stacy, Debbie and Adam: I know that they and the rest of the family are missing this gem of a gentleman more than me. ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™
I’m so sorry for your loss. You & your family will be in my thoughts and prayers…
My grandpa was the first man to hold me when I came into this world and throughout my life he has been the only one who was constant. To me, he was more than my grandpa, he was like a daddy to me. Always there for me, very present in my life. He never judged me, I could go to him for comfort and understanding anytime about anything and I did. His love was enormous, his infectious laugh made me laugh. He always set a good example of what a kind and decent person should be. He instilled in me morals and values I have carried through my life. So many memories I have in my heart. I loved him beyond measure and will miss him more than anyone can imagine. I know he's happy in heaven with gram and that makes me smile. I feel extremely blessed to have been able to have him in my life and he'll forever be in my heart and my every thought. He's always been my rock and my hero.
So sorry sis for your lose he was a good man he worked with me and my dad on the farm back in Elaine Arkansas he always ready to go to work every day no matter how late we worked that day I will see you again in heaven my friend
So sorry about your loss, he was such a wonderful person, he and Ms. Mary were always so good to me and my family. I loved being around them, always good times. I love you all and will be keeping yall in my thoughts and prayers. Debbie, your like my sister, I'm here if you need me anytime day or night, love you!
So sad to hear of the passing of one of good Brothers in law. I have too many good memories of when I was young. The movie theater in Harrisburg and the many summers of at least two weeks visit at his home during summer school break time. One memory I will never forget when one summer when he was plowing cotton at night he made me a special seat on the John Deere he was plowing with. As a 10 or 12 year old boy that was exciting to me. Watching Wyat Earp , Cheyenne and Gunsmoke was very exciting to me and also the Wrestling watching Sputnik Monroe whom he would laugh and get so excited he would get out of his chair and help him defeat his opponent. I am sure he is enjoying being with Mary( my sister) again of whom he grieved after so much of her passing 6 months ago. He will always be in my memory. God bless his remaining family and friends he has left behind.love you,Debbie and Stacey,Adam and family.
Loved my Uncle Lloyd. I especially loved his laugh and his joking, light-hearted spirit and sense of humor. I’m so sorry, Debby, Stacy, and family. He will be so missed. I imagine he, Daddy & others gone on before us are having some wonderful, joyous conversations about right now.
He was the last sibling my Dad had on this earth and he was the baby. How we all loved him and I can hear that wonderful laugh right now. My family remained in Mississippi and I grew up there. But we loved our visits to see them and he loved to come visit us. He was always interested in what kind of car I was driving as he loved all things mechanical. I know he was met at the gates of heaven by Aunt Mary, his parents, my Dad and all his brothers and sisters. What a great reunion that will be. Stacy wrote a beautiful tribute to him in the obituary. It described him perfectly. Fly high Uncle Lloyd, hope you get to ride John Deer tractor’s as much as you want.
He had such an infectious laugh, when they would visit with Mother or Daddy they were always joking with each other. On one occasion Daddy meet him at the door as they were there early with at least a 6 cup bowl of cornflakes. Praying for Debbie & family, Love ya'll Dianne & Terry Gray
Dear Debbie and Family:
We’re so very sorry and saddened to hear this.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
With our love and prayers.
Les and Kathryn
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