Ester Taylor, age 94, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at the State Veterans Home in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Visitation was from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 28 at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Funeral services were at 12 p.m. Friday, April 29 at Poplar Flat Baptist Church with Dr. Jim Futural and Bro. Doug Wise officiating. Interment immediately followed the service in Poplar Flat Cemetery with full military honors.
Ester was born November 20, 1927, to John and Virgie Bagwell Taylor in Winston County, Mississippi. He was a devout Christian and a member of Poplar Flat Baptist Church.
He was a combat veteran who served as a corporal in the 25th Infantry “Tropic Lightning” Division of the US Army during the Korean War, where he was awarded the Bronze Star with V for Valor.
After returning from war, he married his “sweetheart” Marjorie Clark and worked for Southern Natural Gas until his retirement.
He was a popular and upstanding member of the local community and a dedicated member of the “Wrinkled Roosters” coffee club. He loved mission work and enjoyed his trips building churches for those in need. He was an avid fisherman and had many stories to tell about fishing trips with friends. Bream and crappie across the state feared for their lives every spring.
His loved ones will remember him as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Ester is survived by two daughters: Patti Rushton and husband Ronnie of Brandon; and Debra Coward and husband Dell of Louisville. One of his greatest joys was being “Granddaddy” to his six grandchildren: Trey (Andrea) Jordan, Christy Jacobson, Dawn (Heath) Dyer, Brandy Stevenson, Lauren Hill and Carlee Hill. He also enjoyed his eight great-grandchildren: Owen Jordan, Ethan Jacobson, Michael (Emily) Dyer, Nick Dyer, Trace Dyer, Canon Dyer, Josiah Stevenson and Zoe Kate Usry; and great-great grandson Walker Dyer. He also leaves behind loving nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.
Ester was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie Taylor; his daughter Susan Jordan; his parents; four brothers: Burtron, J.B., Freeman and Morris Taylor; and five sisters: Gladys Merritt, Allie Mae Cockrell, Bonnie Ellis, Bessie Alene Taylor and Mattie Doris Taylor.
Serving as pallbearers were Heath Dyer, Trace Dyer, Steve White, Speedy Calvert, Ron Phillips and Ken Stewart. Honorary pallbearers were the men’s Sunday School Class at Poplar Flat.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to the Susan Jordan Memorial Scholarship at Mississippi State University. Memorials may be made through the MSU Foundation and designated for the Susan Jordan Memorial Scholarship. Commitments may be made online at www.msufoundation.com or checks payable to the MSU Foundation, Inc. may be mailed to PO Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762; or the charity of your choice.
Services were under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
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