Rick J. Taylor, 64, of Pioneer passed away early Sunday morning at McLaren St. Luke’s Hospital in Maumee. He was born on October 11, 1956 in Montpelier to James Richard and Dorothy M. (Lovejoy) Taylor.
Rick graduated from Hilltop High School in 1974. He married Holly B. Towns on April 28, 1973 in West Unity and she survives.
Rick was a very active member and loved to sing for the Lord at the Madison Church of God in Holiday City. Over the years Rick and Holly hosted several Baptisms at their pond.
He also had the honor of going on a Church Mission Trip to Jamaica. In 1980 Rick started working at the Williams County Highway Department and retired in 2000 as an assistant supervisor.
In 2015 he retired as a custodian from Millcreek – West Unity Schools after nearly 15 years. He was also the church custodian for many years.
At one time he enjoyed coaching his children’s baseball teams. Rick took pride in his garden and looked forward to his trips to the Upper Peninsula and Mackinaw.
He was a very kind hearted person, often being asked to dress up as Santa Claus and Johnny Apple Seed.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Holly; children Rebecca J. Taylor of Pioneer, Joshua J. Taylor Pioneer, Elisha P. Taylor of Fayette and Josiah W. Taylor of Archbold; four grandchildren Loren, Evan, Corbin and Savannah Taylor; mother Dorothy (Robert) Zizelman of West Unity; and sister Roxanna (Randy) Miller of West Unity. Rick was preceded in death by his father James R. Taylor.
A private visitation and service will be held for Rick with a public celebration of life service to be held at a later date. Rick will be laid to rest at Floral Grove Cemetery in West Unity.
Memorial contributions may be given to Madison Church of God. To send flowers to Rick’s family, please visit our floral store.
6 Comments
I will always remember this freckled face, redhead that was always a favorite in our class of 1974. Rick was a kind person and I extend my deepest sympathy to Holly and his family. May you be surrounded by love of family and friends and keep sweet memories of Rick alive.
Loved working with Rick at West Unity over the summer. Later when I worked in the library he would stop and chat. Awesome fellow!! Prayers for Holly and the family.
Rick was a friend and class mate, yo could always count on Rick to have a smile on his face and laugh as you pocked fun at him . Always ready to lend a hand or an ear to listen . He will be missed by many and remembered by even more . The Lord has gained a true believer. missing you Rick .
Rodney Miller
I am so very sorry for your loss. Prayers to family.
I had not seen Rick since I graduated in 1973, but thought of him often. We played basketball together and one of the coaches nicknamed him “Fu Fu”. Loved it. I recall him as being very easy going and lots of fun to be around. Prayers being sent to Holly and family.
I had Rick as my head coach for travel baseball when I was a kid. Still have the picture of us dumping the water bucket on him after a win.
I will always have some great memories associated with him. So sorry for your loss.