Marion S Taylor Sr.

TAYLOR, SR., MARION born on Tuesday, April 6, 1926 to the late Sadie Huckabee and Homer Taylor. Marion was the oldest of three children. He attended Edgewater Elementary and Westfield High School. He later joined the U.S. Navy where he served in World War II, defining a Mighty Man of Valor. After serving in the war, he was married to Ms. Lessie Mae Fields for twenty-five years, and to that union were nine loving children. He was employed by Sherman Industries where he retired with twenty-five years of service. He confessed Christ at a mature age, according to John 10:10, "that you may be filled with the fullness of God" and joined Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Stacy Hill. His hobbies were singing, fishing, and crossword puzzles. Marion sang 1rst tenor with the Propheteers of Birmingham, AL for thirty-eight years, and The Faith Degree Gospel Singers for thirty years and any who called upon him. His melodious voice was as smooth and unique as his mannerism which blended anywhere. Marion and Ms. Patricia A. Patrick were joined in Holy matrimony on December 22, 1980, and to that union, two beautiful children were added. He served as deacon for many years at Morning Star Baptist Church, Sherman Heights until Overseer Taylor and Patricia accepted their call to ministry in 1990, when they founded Degrees of Faith Freewill Holiness Church. He served faithfully twenty-one years until transitioning from earth to glory at Baptist Medical Center Princeton. Affectionately know to many as "Daddy Taylor", Marion was a loving, selfless, and devoted husband, father, brother, and friend to all he knew. His memory will remain in our hearts and spirits forever, gently urging us to pursue for our lives. He was preceded in death by his sons, Willie Monroe and Christopher Taylor; and grandson, Demetrius Smith. He is survived by his wife of thirty years, Mrs. Patricia A. Taylor; seven daughters and three sons: Freddie (Willie) Thomas, Sandra (Willie James, Sr.) Rice, Marionette Sims, Cynthia Hobdy, Marion (Gloria) Taylor, Jr., Michael Taylor, Linda Purifoy, Jacqueline (Clemon) Spencer, Meredith (Brandon) Taylor-Porter, and Lederrick Taylor; two sisters, Katie Ballard and Betty Jean Taylor both of Mt. Vernon, New York; thirty grandchildren, forty-eight great grandchildren, four great- great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, wonderful church family, and extended family. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 31, 2011 at Rid out's Elmwood Chapel from 6:00-8:00 pm. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Elmwood Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 2:45 pm at Alabama National Cemetery with Naval honors to be rendered.