1942 2022 (age 79)
Obituary Johnny Taylor Jr. was born on March 17, 1942, in Jefferson, Texas to the parentage of Johnnie and Tessie Rae Taylor. He moved to Dallas, Texas in 1956 with his mother and stepfather Thomas Fields. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1960 where he played the trumpet in the school band. Johnny was a loyal son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Whenever anyone needed him, he was right there without hesitation. He was a father and grandfather who always made you feel safe and loved no matter what was going on around you. He wanted you to understand that the sky is the limit and if he had breath, he would help you get to the highest peak. Johnny accepted Christ at an early age, but in 1978 he became a true servant of God when he gave Him total control of his life. He was a dedicated member of Bethesda Temple Apostolic Church. Johnny found joy and serenity in his time on the road as a truck driver. He worked for various companies but settled with ABF where he retired in 2015 after 42 years of service. He was also an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys. So much so that in the hospital as he watched his last game, he risked his life by ripping off his oxygen mask just so he could yell at the players! Talking on the phone with his sister Thelma was one of JT’s favorite pastimes. He absolutely loved to play dominoes and listen to his favorite singer, Johnnie Taylor. The way to his heart was through his stomach; he loved a good meal. He could eat fried fish daily and put ketchup on nearly everything! Johnny was preceded in death by his wife, Helena Taylor; parents, Johnnie Taylor Sr., Tessie Rae and Thomas Fields; brother, Logan Taylor. He leaves to cherish his memory: children, E’Ona Gillis, Johnny Taylor, III (Tasha), Helena Taylor-Graham, Lena Hansbro and Floyd Bailey Jr. (Rachel); grandchildren: Del’Rick Gillis (Ashliegh), Da’Ron Gillis, SirJonavon Taylor, Rashawn Rasberry, Clarrisa Rasberry, Monika Hampton (Len), Briece Graham, LaTonya Payne (Elkay), Katina Jones, Floyd Jones (Pam), Kern Jackson, Jr. (Jamie), Robyn Jones, Lemond Chambers, Eric and Nathaniel Bailey; siblings, Thelma Lattimer, Robert Taylor (Bertha) and Jewel Bluitt (Joe); brother-in law, Arthur Powell (Donna); sister-in-law, Arletta Noble; a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends. Johnny believed that prayer changes things and that the will of God must be done despite our wants. At the closing of every family prayer he would say, “A family that prays together, stays together!” His smile was infectious and his faith in The Lord led so many to seek Christ for themselves. Funeral service will be held 11 am Thursday, February 17, at Bethesda Temple Church, 3701 Salem Ave. Visitation 9 am until the time of service. Interment Restland Cemetery, Dallas, TX. Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Johnny Taylor, Jr., please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Johnny Taylor Jr 1942 2022 (age 79).
Death notice for the town of: Trotwood, state: Ohio