Leon Taylor, age 82, of Brownwood passed away peacefully Friday, May 1, 2020, at Rising Star Nursing Home.
Due to the current social gathering guidelines regarding the Covid-19, Leon will lie in state for family and friends, Thursday, May 7th from 1 to 6 p.m., observing the number of visitors to be limited to 10 at any given time at Blaylock Funeral Home. Leon will be laid to rest at the Blake Cemetery with a private family graveside service with Bill Slaymaker officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.
Billy “Leon” Taylor was born on September 3, 1937, to Theo and Orahgeen Taylor in Mexia, Texas.
Leon met his wife, Ellen, on a blind date in Strawn, Texas; they were married for 54 years.
Leon’s working career began with the Coca Cola Bottling Co. in Brownwood. After that, he went to work for the Texas Highway Department and retired there in 1994 after working there for 33 years. He also refereed football for 16 years with his 2 best friends: Joe Bowman and Troy Pallette. Leon enjoyed loading up in his 1964 Dodge pickup and Williams Craft trailer and heading out all across Texas to different lakes and rivers for weekend trips, along the convoy was Joe and Troy with their families as well. Leon was an avid deer hunter, winning several contests. He also enjoyed fishing and raising cattle.
Later in life Leon loved to ride through his pasture in his Polaris and sitting in front of his cabin that he named, “Road Kill.” Over the last several years he enjoyed his daily telephone conversations with another life-long friend, Clarence Chambers. They would discuss the world’s problems but mostly talked about the Brownwood Lions and placing a Coke bet on every game. Leon left this world owing Clarence 2 cokes, who said that you couldn’t take it with you?
He was preceded in death his wife, Ellen; both parents; one sister, Willene Gibson; and one nephew, Billy Ray Gibson.
Leon is survived by his daughter, Cindy Antonelli and her husband Ray of Cabot, Arkansas; his son, Billy Taylor and his wife Beverly of Brownwood; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Erin Hick and husband Travis of Clinton, Arkansas and their 2 kids, Kylin and Kinlee, Daniel Taylor of Stephenville, Lindsey Peak and husband Doug of Houston and their son, Oakley. Leon is also survived by his three nieces, Patricia Van Winkle and husband Bobby, Karen Morton, and Connie Armstrong and husband Rodney; one nephew, Terry Gibson; and countless friends.
Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.