Dennis Willard (Buddy) Taylor was born August 2, 1925 and died March 28, 2018 at the age of 92 years 7 Months, and 26 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clint and Nettie Taylor; 3 brothers - Iley Taylor, Ray Taylor, and Archie Taylor; 6 sisters - Mellie Barton, Ivy Powers, Nobie Evans, Ella Mae Spikes, Katherine Jones, and Murline Whittington; 2 grandchildren – Jason & Jessie Taylor.

Buddy was survived by his wife of 68 years, Annie Bell Taylor; 3 children, Jimmie Taylor & wife Lorraine, Wanda Taylor, Terry Taylor & wife Beverly; 6 grandchildren, Nikki Hanson, Amanda Rouse, Melanie McAllister, Lacey Hylton, Melinda Lummus, and Seth Taylor; 12 great-grandchildren, Alexis & Will Hanson, Lauren, Harleigh, & John Michael Rouse, Maddie, Drew, Kaitlyn, & Grace McAllister, Christian & Carter Hylton, and Emma Lummus; and one sister – Gloria Powell.

Dennis (Buddy) Taylor was one of Clint & Nettie Taylor’s 12 children. In 1943, he was drafted into the army and sent to fight for our country in the Battle of the Bulge. Company E of the 423rd Infantry was captured and sent to prison camp at Stalag 4B where they had little to eat and none of the comforts of home. He was liberated on April 15, 1945. He had to be carried out due to injuries suffered while he was there. For his service, Dennis received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Although he was disabled, he always worked hard.

After returning from WWII, Buddy married Annie Bell Ray in 1949 and had three children, six grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Although he was medically paralyzed, he still worked in the timber industry for many years and raised one of the most beautiful gardens in the area. His hobbies were reading his Bible, hunting, and gardening. He loved sharing the produce he grew with family, friends, and neighbors.

Buddy was a member of Sardis Baptist Church, where he was a deacon and devoted Christian. He was also on the Board of Directors of Friendship Baptist Camp for many years where he served faithfully.

Memorials can be made towards Buddy’s 5 year-old great-grandson, Christian Hylton’s Medical Fund at Bank of Winnfield. Checks should be made payable to Chris or Lacey Hylton (memo Christian’s Medical Fund).

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Sardis Baptist Church with Dr. Jerold McBride, Rev. Brian McAllister, and Rev. Daniel Rogers officiating. Interment will follow in the Iatt Cemetery near Verda under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Friends may visit with the family in the funeral home on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and also on Saturday at the chuch from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.

Serving as pallbearers will be John Rouse, Lavon Hanson, Chris Hylton, Brian McCallister, Gerry Lummus, Seth Taylor and Ricky Powell.