Featured Obituary

Services for Larry James Taylor, 67, of Tyler, will be held on Friday, Dec. 5, at 1:30 p.m. at Green Acres Baptist Church Chapel with the Rev. Ken Brumley and Rev. Scott Wiley officiating.

Private family burial will be in Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery in Tyler under direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home.

Mr. Taylor peacefully passed away, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008, at the Hospice HomePlace in Tyler.

He was born Aug. 8, 1941, in Taylor, Ark., to William E. and Elizabeth Green Taylor. He graduated from Taylor High School as the Valedictorian of his Class of 1959, and also served as Senior Class President. Mr. Taylor then went on to support himself while attending the University of Arkansas, where he graduated with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering.

Mr. Taylor married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Crank Taylor, and they enjoyed 45 years of a happy and fruitful marriage. They raised two beautiful daughters, Kristin and Stephanie.

He dedicated his early professional career to the Monsanto and Helena Chemical Companies, as well as Marsco Engineering. Following his efforts there, he became a Co-founder and President of Petrofac Corporation, a successful hydrocarbon processing firm with international acclaim. He also enjoyed and excelled in real estate development and other entrepreneurial interests. Mr. Taylor was a Director of Regions Bank (previously Tyler Bank and Trust).

Mr. Taylor was an active and supportive member of Green Acres Baptist Church, and a dedicated servant of Good Samaritan Outreach Center for over 30 years. His service to his Lord and Savior was a priority in his life, and resulted in the formation of many close relationships with friends in the church.

His greatest joys in life included many travels with his wife, dear friends and family. He always treasured the opportunity to spend time with his children and grandchildren. Much of his time was spent with his dear grandchildren, Allie and Andrew, creating projects and building things. He enjoyed attending their various sports and school activities.

Mr. Taylor had the unique ability to successfully balance family, work, spiritual and personal interests, so that all facets of his life were lived to the fullest. Ultimately, family was always the first priority for him, and each family member felt his love and admiration.

Mr. Taylor is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Crank Taylor; daughters, Kristin Werner and husband Mike, Stephanie Taylor Sorrell and husband Sean; grandchildren, Allie Werner, Andrew Werner, Jake Sorrell and Douglas Sorrell.

Through his bouts with cancer, Mr. Taylor came to receive strength and comfort from Isaiah 41:10. His faith was strong, consistent and enduring.

Pallbearers will be Charles Miller, Kendall Neill, Edwin Smith, Bill Flanigan, Sean Sorrell and Mike Werner.
Honorary pallbearers will be Pete Forsyth, Hansel Crank and John Jackson.

Visitation is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler, 75703.

Memorials in honor of Larry J. Taylor may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, 75701; American Cancer Society, 1301 South Broadway Ave., Tyler, 75701; or Green Acres Baptist Church Missions, 1607 Troup Highway, Tyler, 75701.

The family would like to express gratitude to the many caregivers, medical personnel and friends who have provided their love and support and assisted in his peaceful transition into Heaven.

(Larry James Taylor)