Jerry Slater Taylor

Jerry Slater Taylor, 86, passed away peacefully November 5, 2024 at the William F. Green Veterans home in Bay Minette. In 1937, Jerry was born in York, Alabama, just five minutes after his fraternal twin brother, Jackie. During World War II, the family moved to Prichard, Alabama, living in Alabama Village as his dad helped with the war effort by joining hundreds of others building the Liberty Ships. Jerry & Jackie attended Ellicott Elementary, K.J. Clark, Jr. High and Vigor High School. They had a happy childhood and formed close friendships which lasted a lifetime.

At the age of 17, Jerry and Jackie joined the Air Force together. These brothers had a strong bond and would always be best friends.

The military was a good fit for Jerry as he thrived on the adventure of new places and people. He was outgoing, always had a smile, and never met a stranger. He visited over thirty-three countries; most were early in his career. He worked hard to attain the rank of Master Sergeant and was an expert Instrument Panel Specialist. Receiving various honors and service awards for his efforts made him proud as he loved serving his country. While stationed at Donaldson Air Force Base in Greenville, South Carolina, Jerry met his bride Mary Alice Parker. This year they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Other stateside assignments included Brookley Air Force Base, Mobile, AL; Shaw Air Force Base, Sumter, SC; Bergstrom Air Force Base, Austin, Texas. When he and Mary Alice were stationed in England, 1962-65, they adopted siblings Richard and Tonia.

Jerry and Jackie were stationed together at Tan Son Nhut Air Force Base near Saigon, Vietnam during the Tet Offensive in 1967- 1968. From 1972-75, they were stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany where they lived in a small village near Trier. They had a camper and explored the area often. The kids loved the adventures. Returning to the states, Jerry finished his remaining time in the service at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Texas. As he was nearing retirement, Jerry and Mary found themselves expecting their own biological child, Melanie Ann! They were both surprised and elated.

After his retirement from military service 1976, they moved to Gardendale, Alabama, living there for the last forty-five years. Jerry could be found, puttering in his garage, working on lawn mowers, or spending time playing poker with fellow veterans. He earned a Small Engine Repair certificate from a local junior college and worked for Interstate Batteries. Jerry enjoyed collecting knives, bottles and going to estate sales. He spent hours in the yard, planting vegetables and growing beautiful blueberries, which he loved to share, Of course, a new baby kept him busy too!

The couple enjoyed travel and especially liked cruising and the beach. In their later years, Jerry and Mary were responsible for raising their grandson JP, and attended almost all his ball games. Cheering JP on, gave them great joy. Everyone at the ballpark fondly called Jerry “Pappy.”

Preceded in death by his wife, Mary Alice; son, Richard; daughter, Melanie; brother, Jackie C. Taylor (Mary Jo); granddaughter, Roberta Daman; grandson, Brandon Taylor; parents, John S. and Nora Kelley Taylor. Survived by daughter, Tonia Daman of Austin, Texas; grandsons, Shane Daman (Lindsey), Anthony Daman (Colleen); granddaughter Carley Taylor, and grandson John Parker Taylor of the Big Oak Boys’ Ranch in Gadsden, AL; Sisters Judy A. Taylor of Morris, AL; Janice Johnson (Ronald) of Semmes, AL; and special family friends, Patricia Cleveland and Jimmy Stewart; also, nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

As a teen, Jerry accepted Christ as his savior. Over the last few years he affirmed his faith. He was a long-time member of Gardendale First Baptist Church. May he rest in peace.

Special thanks to the caretakers at the Magnolia House in Oneonta and the William F. Greene State Veterans Home in Bay Minette. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made at www.bigoakboysranch.com

A memorial service with full military honors will be held in Jerry’s honor at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, AL, on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Jerry and Mary’s remains will be placed in the Columbarium.