A Memorial Service for Alton (Curly) Taylor will be at 10:00 a.m., September 28, 2018 at Central Christian Church, 1110 Guadalupe Street in Austin - the same church he and his wife, Carey, were married in 67 years ago. It will be followed by a reception in the Community Room where the family hopes you will take a moment to share your memories. Reverend Eric Gates will serve as officiant.
Curly, age 89, died at home in Austin on September 20, 2018, surrounded by family and his dog, Rusty.
He was preceded in death by his mother Sytha, father Elmer Spradling, brother Leslie Spradling and sister Janelle Johnson.
His wife, Carey, their daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his greatest joy. He was able to see all of his grandchildren graduate from college. He enjoyed family gatherings when he could look across the table to see his family laughing, talking and eating. Carey and Alton spent many mornings looking out the window at beautiful flowers, vegetables and birds in their garden and reminiscing about their extensive international travel.
Curly was a lifelong resident of Austin. He was a 1947 graduate of Austin High School. He graduated from Texas Christian University in 1952 where he attended on a football scholarship. As an offensive guard, he helped lead the Horned Frogs to the 1951 Southwest Conference Championship game as a Co-Captain at the Cotton Bowl. He was a three-year letterman, received the Most Valuable Player trophy, and was recognized on the All-Southwest Conference Football Squad. Upon graduation, he began his football coaching career in Palestine, Texas. As he began his first football season, he was called to duty in the United States Army and he proudly served with the 2nd Division in the Korean War. In 1956 Curly returned to Austin to coach at McCallum High School. He went on to receive a Master of Education from the University of Texas in 1961. He was promoted to Head Coach at Johnston High School in 1964 where he coached the rest of his career. He was heavily invested in his players education and at one time was recognized as the Austin football coach with the most players to receive college scholarships and then go on to play pro football. During summers, he taught swimming lessons at Camp Craft, Camp Gary Job Corp in San Marcos, and Texas School for the Blind. He was a tough, but caring mentor to many young people.
During retirement, he became very active at Central Christian Church as a Deacon, Elder and Elder Emeritus. He also enjoyed volunteering his time as a gardener for the church and was an example of a faithful servant to the congregation. Weekends during football season included trips to Ft. Worth to watch the Horned Frogs and even a trip to the Rose Bowl to watch TCU play.
He is survived by his wife, Carey and their four daughters, Kathy Witchell (David) of New Braunfels, Karen Williams (John) of Whitehouse, Janice Cuny (Chris) of Heath, Amy Wakefield (Jon) of Georgetown; seven grandchildren, Michael Slown (Bethany) of Copperas Cove, Cameron Slown (Katie) of Dallas, Jessica Williams Stenklyft (Anthony) of Spring, Martiel Williams Drinkard (Joshua) of Quitman, Arkansas, Caroline Cuny of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Austin Cuny of Heath, Wesley Lacson of Austin; seven great-grandchildren Mackenzie and Cayden Slown, Margaret, Emily and Anthony, Jr. Stenklyft and Paul and Mabel Drinkard. He was also survived by his sister, Betty Ann Fitzpatrick (Cas) of Louisiana.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the many family members and friends who visited, sent cards and prayers.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to CWF Scholarship Fund at Central Christian Church, 1110 Guadalupe, Austin, Texas 78701 or the charity of your choice.
