Michael Leo Taylor Sr. (“Mike”), 75, of Sardis, Arkansas, beloved son of Marvin Leo Taylor and Margaret Katherine Taylor, was born on July 31, 1950, in Pittsburg, Texas. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 22, surrounded by his loving family singing Amazing Grace.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother James, his nephews Cliff Taylor, Jamie Taylor, John Paul Taylor, and brother-in-law Cot Hill.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Patty Taylor, of 57 years; his son, Michael and Jenny; his daughter, Michelle Douglas and John; Aaron and Elizabeth Shrock (kids by love); his 9 grandchildren, Carlie Hobby and Hunter, Ryan and Trinity, John Michael Douglas, Jacob Douglas, James Stephen Douglas, Jaxson Wesser, and Aayliah Shrock; and one great-granddaughter, Harper Hobby.

He is also survived by his brothers, Larry and Judy, Randy and Becky, Casey and Jodi, and Tom and Linda; in-laws JoAnn and Gene Hill and Susan Hill; Brenda Staggs; Shane and Misty Staggs; Tommy Staggs; nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles; his church family; and many special friends.

Mike’s family moved to Arkansas when he was a boy, and on June 4, 1965, he met the love of his life. They were married on June 4, 1969, and began their 57-year journey creating a family rooted in love, faith, and service, leaving a legacy that will endure for generations.

He served in the Army from 1970 to 1972.

Mike dedicated his life to God, his family, his church family, and serving others. His greatest accomplishments were not found in his career or achievements, but in being a husband, father, Pa Pa, and Pa to his family. His greatest joy on this earth was spending time with his babies, no matter their ages.

Even though he was a diesel mechanic by trade, he found a love for building when his dad helped him build a shop for his business in 1987. He went on to build many more buildings through the years but cherished those he built for his family: a tree house for Carlie, an addition to their home and cabin, and a tiny house for Michael, even helping John a little in building their new home.

The “Christmas House” he built this last Christmas for James Stephen and Harper will always be filled with the love he had for them, the same love he had for all his grandchildren. They were his heart.

Mike loved hunting and fishing with his boys, playing dominoes every Monday night with close friends, being at church any time the doors were open and often when they weren’t. He loved spending special time at the cabin with Patty, his family, and closest friends Sean and Lenny.

Visitation will be held Saturday, July 11th, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with the memorial service beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Christ Church, 11800 Vimy Ridge Road, Alexander.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Mike’s honor to the Children’s Toy Drive Fund he and Patty established many years ago. Through this ministry they brought the joy of the birth of our Savior to children and youth in need by providing gifts to brighten their Christmas season. Donations may be made by check payable to Patty Taylor/Children’s Account and mailed to Christ Church, P.O. Box 517, Alexander, AR 72002, or via Cash App to $PattyTaylor5.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nursing staff and physicians of the Central Arkansas VA Hospital MICU for their compassionate care and support during this time, along with Christ Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Dial & Dudley Funeral Home, and our loving family and friends.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23