Michael Ray Taylor

Michael Ray Taylor, 71 of Whitney, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 10, 2021.

He was born on July 26, 1949, to Rayburn and Marcel Roden Taylor at Florence Nightingale Hospital in Dallas.Mike grew up in Irving and graduated MacArthur High School in 1967.  He became a resident of the Whitney community 16 years ago after marrying Judith Ratliff Schaefer on June 11, 2005.

Professionally, Mike was Vice President of sales for a well-respected transportation company and loved the career he had made for himself.

He loved to hunt and be outdoors and spent every moment possible at his deer lease in Jacksboro, TX. He took great pride in his home and his yard. Most days you could catch him after work on his lawn mower. He enjoyed entertaining friends and family at The Pickled Possum Saloon and Social Exchange. He liked to cook on his smokers, BBQ grill and throw an occasional crawfish boil. When Mike cooked, he cooked in large quantities. There was never not enough food, no matter how many people might stop by.

Mike loved babies and animals especially his precious German shorthair, Jojo and Bob Cat-Taylor.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Judith Ratliff Taylor; sister, Renea and husband David Johnson; daughters, Michelle and husband Charlie Walton of Irving and Amanda and husband, Ben McCarn of Waco; son, Charlie Schaefer and wife Jessica, currently stationed at Fort Lewis, WA; niece, Amber and husband Phil Liveley; grandchildren, Trevor Floyd of Irving, Justin Walton of Haslet, Brandi and Cody Walton of Paris, Derek Walton of Irving, Oliver and Eloise Schaefer of Fort Lewis, WA; great niece, Lucy Lively; great grandchildren, Memphis Floyd, Maddox Walton, Brenton Walton, Blayce Walton, Kinzler Walton, Corbin Walton, and Ryker Walton.