Joseph Cornell Taylor IV

Joseph Cornell Taylor IV, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, primo, friend, history aficionado, animal lover, plant enthusiast, high school coach and teacher passed away March 14, 2022, in Harlingen, TX, surrounded by his family at the age of 75.

The legendary community figure was born in 1947 to Joseph Lula Taylor and Dora Garcia Taylor in Corpus Christi on February 10.

Joe leaves behind to cherish his beautiful memory his loving wife of 49 years, Bettie Taylor, as well as daughters Elizabeth Taylor, Katherine Ann Taylor (JR Fuerte), and Teresa Taylor Garza (Israel Garza). He also proudly leaves behind his two darling grandchildren, whom he loved dearly with all his heart, Charlotte Grace Garza and Israel Joseph Garza, to carry on his legacy.

His dignity and self-assertion ushered in an honorable depiction of the American dream. Being a high school football and track coach was just one distinction in a career full of distinctions. Joe loved the game as much as he adored teaching children the value of an education. Not a day went by in South Texas without a former student from his distinguished history course or a player from the field approaching him to show their eternal gratitude.

Joe was everyone’s supportive role model. Simply, he was everyone’s dad. The community now and forever will be inspired by him. Now even as we mourn, we celebrate the life of a great man and a Texas icon with colossal achievements. His strength of character matched by his incredible sense of humor, his willingness to stand up for all, and the way he always put others first navigated his life’s journey.

The love for Joe is endless and he will forever be missed.

Visitation will be held Friday March 18, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Heavenly Grace Funeral Home with Rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass is scheduled on Saturday, March 19 at 1:00 pm at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Harlingen at 1015 E. Van Buren Ave. with burial service to follow on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Heavenly Grace Memorial Park.

Flowers are appreciated and donations may be made to The Joe Taylor Memorial Scholarship to benefit high school athletes on GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/joe-taylor-scholarship-fund.