Elder Buford Ray Taylor was born to Romill Taylor and Elizabeth Rosie Ann Washington on February 28,1946 in Ferris, Texas.
He matriculated through Dallas Public Schools beginning with H.S. Thompson Elementary School and graduated from Lincoln High School, Class of 1964.
After graduation, He entered the workforce as a display manager at Neiman Marcus, he was employed in various sectors, but in 1976 he began working as a cosmetic compounder for AM Labs/Nature Tech. and worked for 38 years becoming Head of Production, supervising many employees for a successful term and retiring in 2014.
He accepted Christ as his personal Savior knowing that there was a greater call on his life in ministry, Elder and Missionary Taylor were a team, having a love for the people, witnessing, praying for the sick, and worshiping God together in humility, servitude, and love. In 2001 they became members of United C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Evangelist O.J. Mays, Elder Taylor was faithful and committed in the ways that pleased God, he was elevated to Assistant Pastor where he continued to preach the word of God without waving, because he knew the word to be truth (Jn. 17:17). Throughout the years Assistant Pastor and missionary Taylor served as Bible Band teachers, no matter the number of attendees or the situation they remained dedicated, sharing the scriptures and the love of Christ in words and in deed. He loved his wife, family, Bible Band, the church, but most importantly he loved God and served him even after his health began to decline. Preaching that the blood still works and dedicating his life to Christ, but on Tuesday February 21st he received the Regal Call to come home, leaving behind a legacy of love and leading others to Christ.
Those left to cherish his memories: wife of 43 years, Missionary Ella Taylor; daughters Stephanie(Lonnie)Clark-Lewisville, Tx; Telly James and Shanda Jones-Terrell, Tx; Sons Anthony(Rose)Taylor, Buford Ray Taylor Jr., Steven Taylor, and Jacoby Taylor-Dallas, Tx; 17 grandchildren, 25+ great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; sister Earline Henderson-Las Vegas, NV; Father and Mother-in-law, Arthur and Lillian Hawkins-Hawkins, Tx; numerous brothers and sisters-in-laws, a host of nieces, nephews, friends and so many others, such as the Woodard family, last but not least our United Church Of God In Christ family.
He was preceded in death by his parents Romill and Elizabeth Rosie Ann Taylor, 1 grandson Devunte Tramon Taylor, 1 great-grandson Tavian Bell, 6 brothers Edward Henderson, Elder Horace Henderson, Bishop O. R. Henderson, Charles Henderson, Ezekiel Henderson and Gabriel Taylor; 3 sisters Essie Henderson, Rosie Henderson, and Peggy Taylor.
