John Taylor

John was born to David and Marguerite Taylor on February 7th, 1951, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. At the age of two, he became a polio survivor and later a literal poster child for the March of Dimes. The March of Dimes provided the gift of cutting-edge medical procedures and technology that his family could otherwise not have afforded. While this was a gift, it also meant many of his childhood summers were spent in the hospital enduring painful medical procedures and therapies to give him as much mobility as possible. Polio impacted not only his bodybut also shaped how he saw the world. He was an overcomer who refused to be limited by his impaired legs.

He was married for 54 years to his high school sweetheart, Janet (Bradford) Taylor. He almost missed his shot, but thanks to some crafty matchmaking friends and God’s sovereignty, they ended up together. Jan was drawn to his intellect, humor and work ethic.

Through sheer determination, hard work and perseverance he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting while working full time as a newlywed. John practiced as a Certified Public Accountant and soon became a founding partner of a local firm. He expanded his expertise into financial planning, becoming a Certified Financial Planner and helping establish Merchants Investment Center. He later went on to found his own firm, John R. Taylor Financial Group, which was eventually acquired by Sterne Agee and later Stifel Investments. He continued to work for Stifel until his death. His work family not only helped him serve his clients well but filled his work days with joy and laughter. His expertise, relatable communication style and humor made him a highly sought after speaker and teacher to make complex financial topics understandable. John was an expert financial planner, but his true passion was his clients and the ability to help people through his profession.

John’s life was profoundly impacted by people who saw in him gifts he did not yet recognize in himself and who encouraged him to use them. One of the most influential was Dr. Carolyn Moore who gave him initial opportunities that opened the door to broader philanthropic efforts. He taught investment courseswith an emphasis on philanthropy, served on the board of the University of Arkansas Fort Smith Foundation, which lead to him joining the board of the Sparks Hospital Foundation and later the board of the Degan Foundation. All of this led to his instrumental role in establishing the Arkansas College of Health Education, serving as the first chairman of the board of directors. From the time John moved to Fort Smith, he saw it as home and prioritized contributing his energy and expertise to efforts to improve the city.

While his professional accomplishments were notable, he knew that the only things that would endure forever are people and the word of God. He was a member of Grand Avenue Baptist Church for over 50 years, where he taught Sunday School for at least 40 of those years. He served as a deacon and in many otherleadership roles, providing practical, wise, and stable leadership to his church family. His faith in Jesus Christ was the center of his life.

John loved his people well, and his people were many. He had a circle of friends that included both lifelong friendships spanning decades and the space for new friendships that quickly became just as deep and meaningful. He cared for his friends by consistently showing up in times of joy and struggle and was rewarded with people who knew him well and loved him deeply.

Much of his incredible drive came from a desire to provide his daughters, Meredith and Laurel, with experiences and opportunities that he didn’t have growing up. He worked long hours building a business, and yet always managed to be present for them in ways big and small. He communicated his love for, and pride in,them regularly and took an interest in the things that were important to them. He loved to share his latest hole-in-the-wall find or interesting book. He instilled in them the values of hard work, generosity and faith and encouraged them to use their talents and abilities in meaningful ways.

One of his greatest joys was the role of “Boppa”. He was crazy about his grandkids, Zoe and Eli. In his later years, it became harder to travel, but Jan and John would drive eight hours in one day to be there for their activities. When the kids came to visit in the summer, he would play chauffer and wait in a hot car so they could enjoy doing things that he was physically unable to do.

Other things that brought John joy included trips to the beach with his family, including Arkansas baseball and road trips with his friends - and travel. He also loved corndogs, chili dogs – really anything hot-dog related - Caddyshack, and making jokes—especially the kind that made his wife cringe and then laugh until she cried.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Marguerite Taylor; his sister, Betty St. Germaine; and his parents-in-law, George and Lois Bradford. He is survived by his loving wife, Jan Taylor; his daughters, Meredith (Matt) Roberts of Springfield, Missouri, and Laurel Taylor of Alexandria, Virginia; his brother, Kelly (Patricia) Taylor of St. Louis; his sister (in-law), Sharon Bradford of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and his grandchildren, Zoe Roberts and Eli Roberts of Springfield, Missouri and many extended family members.

John knew that his life was defined by God’s grace and mercy and that all of his gifts and abilities were from God. He often mentioned that he was looking forward to being with Jesus, and for his body to be fully healed. He talked about finally being able to run and play baseball and seeing some of his dearest friends who had gone ahead of him.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 21st from 1-3pm at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith; funeral service at Grand Avenue Baptist Church at 1pm on December 22nd, with graveside service to follow at Oak Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Mercy Ships International (mercyships.org) or the John R. Taylor endowed scholarship at Arkansas College of Health Education Occupational Therapy program. https://achehealth.edu/apply-for-scholarships/