Dr. Horton G. Taylor, Jr.

 Dr. Horton G. Taylor, Jr., 76, of Ripley, MS passed away at his daughter's home in Union County on July 5, 2016. Dr. Taylor was born June 29, 1940, in Vardaman, MS. He was the firstborn son of Horton G. Taylor, Sr. and Unita Taylor of Calhoun City, MS. He had on younger sibling, James Walter Taylor, that is now a retired Doctor of Plastics/ Reconstructive Surgery in Knoxville, TN. Dr. Taylor was a graduate of Abraham Clark High School, Roselle, NJ and earned a B.S. Degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. Upon earning his B.S. Degree, Dr. Taylor was accepted into Medical School at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. After he received his Doctoral Degree of Medicine, He would return to the NJ area to begin his internship at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. It was during this time that Horton married his college sweetheart Jean Barnett, of Westfield, NJ on October 15, 1967. Shortly thereafter, the newlyweds would return to Atlanta, AG, where Dr. Taylor completed his general surgery/family practice residency. It was at that time, that Dr. Taylor was called to serve his country and received his orders to report to the Fort Hood Army Hospital in Killen, TX. Within months after their move, Dr. Taylor was honored to serve as a general surgeon and headed one of the many MASH hospitals over the next 15 months. Upon his return from Vietnam, Horton and Jean adopted their daughter, Lorena May, at the age of 3 days old. Later that year, The Taylor's made their journey to Ripley, MS, where Dr. Taylor began his private practice, Tippah County Medical Group. It was also at this time that that he and his wife were blessed with the adoption of their second child, James Carl. Dr. Taylor practiced medicine in Ripley and treated patients for over 45 years. During many years of practicing, he was a volunteer Professor of Family Practice Medicine to young residents of The University of Mississippi. Teaching was one of Dr. Taylor's greatest passions and he continued teaching medical students until his retirement in May of 2014. Although the doors of Tippah County Medical Group would then close, Dr. Taylor continued to practice part time alongside his fellow Family Nurse Practioners, Anita Turner and Mindy Quinn. His final days of practicing were in November 20115. Dr. Taylor was a dedicated member of his community and church, as he served on various committees and boards, including The Rotary Club, Boy Scouts of America, FUMC councils and the Republican Party are just a few to mention. He and Jean were devoted active members of The First United Methodist Church in Ripley, MS for over 45 years. Dr. Taylor, also known at Col. Taylor, would once again be asked to serve his country at the age of 65, to assist in the Pre-Combat set up of Mobile MASH Army Hospitals during the Desert Storm operation following 911. This was one of the most treasured accomplishments. As many are aware, he was dedicated to the Armed  Forces of The United States of America and considered it an honor to Serve, Protect and Heal his fellow Americans. Dr. Taylor is preceded in death by his beloved wife Jean and his loving parents H.G. and Unita Taylor. He is survived by his 2 children, James Carl Taylor of Calhoun City and Lorena "Renie" Taylor Webb of Blue Springs, 5 grandchildren and his brother James Walton Taylor. There Will be a community wide visitation at The Ripley Funeral Home on Sunday, July 10 from 12 noon until 4 PM. Military Recognition for his 20 years of service will begin at 3 PM. A funeral Service to honor Dr. Taylor will be at the First United Methodist Church in Ripley at 1 PM Monday, July 11. Dr. Taylor will be laid to rest with his wife Jean at the Taylor Family Farm in Calhoun County in a private family service.

The Ripley Funeral Home is honored to serve the Taylor family and invites you to sign the guestbook and share memories.