On January 5, 2021, after a valiant struggle with severe medical complications and COVID19, our beloved Ricky Paul Taylor, went home to be with the Lord.

Rick was born on January 18, 1960 in Dallas Texas, to Robert G. Taylor Sr and Evangelina Taylor. He attended Richardson Pearce High School and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Huston State University. He proudly served in the Army Reserves and Texas National Guard.

Rick moved to Tucson in 2000 where it met the love of his life Judy. Rick and Judy were married in 2005 where Judy’s uncle Lemuel B. Yazzie, a minister and a former Navajo Code Talker, officiated their wedding. After 33 years of service, Rick retired from Raytheon in 2015. After retirement, he kept busy with church activities including serving as an elder. Rick was always concerned for his community which led him to pick up fresh produce on a weekly basis from a local food pantry and redistribute it to the community.
Rick lived an extraordinary life filled with endless adventures. He traveled the world, loved to read, fish and was a classic movie buff. He was a certified scuba diver. He loved the Texas Rangers and Cowboys and was an active San Huston State University Alumni. His God Children, Shandiin and Nizhoni were his absolute pride and joy. He was a kind and compassionate man devoted to his family who undoubtedly left the world a better place.

Rick gave his life to Lord in 2000 and was a great example of a true faith-filled man. So many of us have also been touched by Rick’s generosity whether it be in prayer or practical needs. Rick lived by one of his favorite bible verses, Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Judy; his sister, Mary Taylor; and numerous nieces and nephews. Rick was proceeded in death by his parents, Robert and Evangelina Taylor; and brother Robert Glenn Taylor Jr.

Rick will be interred at the Desert view Cemetery, Winslow, Arizona. Due to Covid-19 restrictions Visitation and Burial services will only be for the immediate family. These services will be live streamed and can be viewed on Judy’s Facebook page.

"You have fought the good fight, you have won the race, you have kept the faith." -2 Timothy 4:7

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk by your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes would see
When your face is before me
I can only imagine
I can only imagine, yeah

Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in your presence
To my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the sun
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine

Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine yeah
I can only imagine yeah yeah
I can only imagine yeah yeah
I can only imagine
I can only imagine yeah yeah
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine

Songwriter: Bart Millard