Raymond C Taylor

Ray Taylor was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Rosa Lee Brown. He entered the United State Air Force at the age of 17 and served as an Airman First Class throughout Europe. After being honorably discharged he went on to earn an Associate Degree in Art. Shortly thereafter, he began working at General Foods, where he would spend the next 32 years and from which he would retire.

Ray’s drive and determination to make a better life for his family led him to rise at 4 am to catch 2 buses and walk 5 miles to arrive at work. Ray met the love of his life, Juanita Smith, and they were married on his 30th Birthday. He was promoted and became the company’s first African American Manager and moved his family to Colorado. He took an active roll in his community and was always lending a helping hand with employment and training.

Ray served as an Adams County Election Judge and led the United Negro College Fund drives in Northglenn. After retirement, he was appointed to the Adams Board of Commissioners and Adams Community Corrections Board. He also volunteered at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for 25 years. He was a proud member of the First Southern Baptist of Northglenn church, where he sang in the choir and became an ordained Deacon.

Ray instilled Christian values in his children, Demetrius and Rachelle, and provided them with every opportunity to success in life. He sent both to Ivy League Colleges. He was an avid golfer and reader. Ray’s joyful disposition and encouraging way will be remembered by the many lives he touched.

His unforgettable presence and precious memory will live on in the hearts of his beloved wife, Juanita Taylor, his son Demetrius Taylor, his daughter Rachelle Shane (Mario), his brothers Edwin Bailey Jr.(Katherine), and Gene Bailey (Bobby), his grandchildren Bakari Taylor (Ajana), Lateef Taylor (Sarah), Amina Reilly (Matthew), Ava Shane, Griffin Taylor, Jayla Shane, his great-grandchildren Quinn Taylor, Olivia Taylor and Elise Taylor and host of nieces, nephews, other family and dear friends. Ray is proceeded in death by his mother, Rosa Lee Bailey, his brother Vernon Taylor, and sister Rosalyn Madden (LeVance Sr).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhighland.com for the Taylor Family.