James "Phil" Taylor's Obituary
James Phillip “Phil” Taylor, 62, passed away April 14 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born in Bruce, Mississippi, graduated from Whitehaven High School and attended Mississippi State University. Phil followed in his father’s footsteps, working for the company Ralph Taylor founded in 1968, Ralph Taylor Lumber. Through the dedication and hard work of family, owners and employees, RTL became a fully integrated, state-of-the-art hardwood lumber company with locations in Tennessee, Mississippi and two saw mills in Clarendon, Arkansas. Phil leaves behind Ema, his wife of 20 years, sons Adam of Memphis and John of Little Rock, as well as grandchildren Howell, Tallulah and Clementine. He was preceded in death by his father Ralph Taylor and survived by his mother Faye. Phil also leaves a sister Donna Taylor Weeks (Eric) of Bruce, Mississippi, their children Susan and Taylor, his brother and business partner of over 40 years Jeff (Mary) of Germantown, their children Kristi and Zack and two very special friends, Frank Phillips, Jr., and his wife Elane. Phil was avid outdoorsman, enjoying duck hunting near his home in Maddox Bay, Arkansas, and a supporter of numerous charitable organizations in Clarendon, Arkansas. He was a member of the Lumbermen’s Club of Memphis and the National Hardwood Lumber Association. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 19, at Memphis Memorial Park Funeral Home on Poplar from 12:00- 2:00 pm with memorial services to be held immediately following. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of the donor’s choice.
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