Joe Albert Taylor was born June 30, 1938, to Joseph V. Taylor and Louella Cato Taylor in Little River County Arkansas. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Ashdown, AR. Joe was a singer from his youth and played the piano for his Sunday School. He was a graduate of Little River County Training Academy of Ashdown, AR, class of 1957. After graduation, Joe joined the United States Air Force and served three years of active duty. A few years later, he became a member of the U.S. Army National Guard Reserves for ten years making a total of 13 years of service.
Joe was a natural mechanic and often performed car repairs for himself, family, and friends. He was employed by Lone Star Ammunition Plant in Texarkana, TX for approximately 16 years. In 1979, he relocated to Los Angeles, CA where he spent over 25 years working for aerospace companies including McDonnell Douglas, Rocketdyne, and Boeing Aircraft. He retired December 2003 and returned to the Texarkana, TX area.
Joe enjoyed singing and sang tenor and baritone in various quartet groups and church choirs. In Los Angeles, he united with the True Vine Baptist Church of Inglewood, CA where he served as a Deacon and sang in the Inspirational Choir. Upon his return to Texarkana, Joe united with the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. He continued his love for singing as a member of the Sanctuary Choir and the B.C. Green Male Chorus for several years.
Joe was preceded in death by: both parents, Joseph and Louella Taylor; two sisters, Dorothy Louise West and Wilma Jeanette Carnes; and one daughter, Damika Taylor.
Joe leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 28 years, Linda Sanders Taylor; his children, Felecia Taylor Garrett (Mickey) of Rialto, CA, Goldmon Taylor of Little Rock, AR, Eric Taylor of Texarkana, TX, Linda Burns and Shaunna Hemphill of Ashdown, AR, Vincent Taylor, Derrick Taylor (Stephanie), Cameron Taylor (Candie) and Kera Robinson all of Dallas, TX, Crystal Taylor of Commerce, TX, and Lamont Lloyd of Los Angeles, CA; siblings, Juanita Burris of Idabel, OK, Joyce Taylor of Katy, TX, Robert Taylor of Shreveport, LA, and James Taylor of Texarkana, TX. As well as 23 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.