Raybourn Lee Taylor, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025 at the age of 91 years and 9 months, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on June 16, 1933, Raybourn’s journey on earth was marked by faith, service, and dedication to those he loved.
Raybourn made a profession of faith in Christ Jesus at Cherry Springs Baptist Church, where his spiritual journey began.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Della Mae Taylor, as well as his siblings: Edsel Taylor, Elmo Taylor, Kenneth Taylor, Bernice Downing, Louise Guess, Marshall Taylor, Rondall Taylor, Elise Shelton, and Betty Jo Amos. He was also preceded in death by his children: Karen Taylor Davis, Shelia Taylor Cox, Reba Taylor Mulhnickel, and Earl Goodson.
He leaves behind a loving family who will continue to carry his memory: his devoted wife of 37 years, Judy Kay Taylor, whom he married on October 17, 1987; his daughters: Jennifer Taylor Sterling (Stuart), Myrna Taylor Bray (Jeff), Raeitta Chamblee, Angela Alvarado (Gilbert) and Yolanda Ramirez (Roland); his son, Rodney Goodson (Kathy); and his adopted family, Jane, Bat, Marla, Mergen and Taylor.
Raybourn was the proud grandfather of Benjamin Owen, Rebecca King, Denise Taylor, Cassian Taylor, Desiree Taylor, Sean Sterling, Brandon Bray, James Hopkins, Taylor Clancy, Kaitlyn New, Miranda Jennings, Alyssa Wiggins, Everett Goodson, William Goodson, Angel Goodson, Vincent Goodson and Marlena Ramirez. He also leaves behind a legacy of love through his great-grandchildren: Jazemine Owen, Brenda Owen, Deztanie Helstein, Joseph Helstein, Brodie King, Ronin King, Gabriel Knapp, Abigail Briseno, Christopher Sterling, Isabel Sterling, Sophia Sterling, Maya Sterling, Victoria Hopkins, Aiden Hopkins, Nicole Hopkins, Ziryha Clancy, Charlie Clancy, Nathan Clancy, Graham New, Eleanor New, Noah Jennings, Sienna Wiggins, Lucy Goodson and Alice Goodson.
Raybourn is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
At the age of 17, Raybourn enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from May 1951 to May 1953 during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Corporal. He continued his service in the United States Air Force from July 1953 until his retirement as a Technical Sergeant in March 1972, having also served during the Vietnam War.
In the early 1960s, Raybourn and his family were stationed at Randolph Air Force Base before moving to Cibolo, Texas, where he later retired. He and his family became active members of the First Baptist Church of Schertz, Texas, where Raybourn served as a Deacon, Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee, and taught the 3rd grade boy’s Sunday School Class for fourteen years. His efforts in the church nurtured the growth of many young men and women, some of whom went on to serve as pastors, deacons, music directors, Sunday School teachers and more.
In addition to his service to the church, Raybourn was a successful business owner, having founded Cibolo Electric and The Pit Pros in Universal City, Texas. Over the years, he became a role model and mentor to countless individuals, earning the love and admiration of all who knew him.
Raybourn’s legacy of faith, service and love will live on in the lives of those he touched. He leaves behind a deep and lasting impact, and his memory will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Hospice for the great care of Ray and the family.
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VISITATION: 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., Thursday, March 13, 2025
FUNERAL SERVICE: 1:00 P.M., Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Parrott & Ramsey Funeral Home in Campbellsville by Rev. Jim Collison, III and Rev. Wilburn Bonta
BURIAL: Cub Run Cemetery with full military honors by the Marion County Veterans Honor Guard
EXPRESSIONS OF SYMPATHY REQUESTED TO BE DONATIONS TO GIDEON BIBLES AND MAY BE MADE AT PARROTT & RAMSEY FUNERAL HOME