The Rev. Mr. Houston David Taylor, Sr., 87, died Wednesday, November 2, 2011.
Born on August 3, 1924, he was the son of Oscar Eugene and Mamie Catherine Leopard Taylor of Laurens County. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, JoClair Ellenberg Taylor.
Houston grew up in Laurens, SC, and served in the US Navy during WWII. He attended Emmanuel College, Newberry College, and earned a Master's Degree from the University of South Carolina in 1951.
He was the principal of Bush River High School, Ford High School, and served as Area Superintendent of Gray Court-Owings Schools. He retired as Superintendent of Special Services and Adult Education for Laurens District 55.
Rev. Taylor was an ordained minister in the Upper South Carolina Conference of the Pentecostal Holiness Church. He served Long Branch Pentecostal Holiness Church, Clinton, SC; First Pentecostal Holiness Church of Newberry, Tryon Pentecostal Holiness Church, NC; Rock Bridge Presbyterian Church, Clinton, SC; and Woods Chapel United Methodist Church, Greer, SC;. Rev. Taylor was known for being an excellent administrator, Bible teacher, and counselor. He enjoyed farming, music, and having his large family gathered together.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a sister, Nina Ruth (John) Snellgrove of Columbia, SC; seven children, Glynda Caddell of Greenville, SC, Houston D. (Lynda LeGere) Taylor, Jr. of Watkinsville, GA, Susan (Jennings) Putnam of Inman, SC, Stephen (Cynthia) Taylor of Florence, SC, Thomas (Laura Wright) Taylor of Greenville, SC, Beth Taylor of Greenwood, SC, and Ann (Merritt) Moseley of Newberry, SC; twelve grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son-in-law, Eddie Taylor.
Private family graveside services will be conducted at 10 a. m. Saturday, November 5, 2011, at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Laurens.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2 p. m., Saturday, at Wightman United Methodist Church, Prosperity, SC, by the Rev. Mr. Michael Turner.
The family is located at his residence, 203 N. Main St., Prosperity, SC 29127.
Memorials may be sent to the WARM Fund, Wightman United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 376, Prosperity, SC 29127.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family
Posted on
Fri, November 4, 2011
by Hugh Morgan