WEEMS—Known as O.D., he passed away November 20, 2017.
On June 11, 1933, in the town of White Stone, James David Taylor and Gladys Mercer Taylor became the proud parents of Oneal David Taylor.
After the death of his father, his mother relocated to Philadelphia, Pa., where he received his formal education in the Philadelphia Public School System.
In 1950, he joined the U.S. Army. After four years of active service and a promotion to corporal, he was honorably discharged in 1954.
After his discharge, Oneal met and married the late Joan A. Farley and they had two children, Oneal Davis Taylor Jr. and the late Rhonda Taylor Martin. After the dissolution of this marriage, Oneal returned to White Stone in 1960.
He then married the late Adelaide M. Morris. From this marriage, two children were born, Langdon J. Taylor and Shawn U. Taylor. Adelaide lost her life in a tragic car accident in 1999.
On December 1, 2001, Oneal married the late Mary S. Taylor of White Stone. This marriage blessed him with a stepdaughter, Calvina Dickerson.
In 1963 with a chain saw, a pickup truck and a horse, Oneal laid the foundation for an enduring family business, Taylor’s Tree Service, which still continues to this day.
Surrounded with the love of his family and the comfort of his home, Oneal was truly in his own world.
Mr. Taylor is survived by sons, Oneal D. Taylor, Landon J. Taylor and Shawn U. Taylor; stepdaughter, Calvina Dickerson; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by daughter, Rhonda Taylor Martin; wives, Mary S. Taylor and Adelaide M. Taylor; former wife, Joan A. Farley; sister, Constance Bounds; and brother, Staunton Taylor.
A service was held Sunday, November 26, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church.
