Donald Ray Taylor

Donald Ray Taylor, 89, passed from his earthly life Friday, December 1, 2023. Don was born August 24, 1934, in Avoca, Texas to Linna and R.T. Taylor.

After graduating from Avoca High School in 1952, Don received an athletic scholarship from McMurry College in Abilene to play basketball. While there, he joined the National Guard to serve his country, and in 1953, Don married his high school sweetheart, Charline Johnston. They were married until her passing in 1996. Don and Charline had two children, David, and Donna, who were the center of their world.

Upon graduation from McMurry in 1956, Don accepted a job with Roosevelt ISD outside of Lubbock. He began as boy’s high school basketball coach and math teacher. Attending Howard Payne in the summertime allowed him to earn additional certifications qualifying him to serve as assistant superintendent and 25 years as superintendent. His 44-year career in education was all spent in Roosevelt. Don maintained a relationship with the district funding scholarships for graduates and contributing to a Community Foundation.  After leaving the district, the baseball field was named Taylor Field.

After his retirement in 2000, Don moved back to Avoca to the family farm. It was also then that he reconnected with McMurry and demonstrated his continued commitment to education establishing the Donald Ray Taylor Scholarship in the teacher education program and an endowed scholarship in support of the men’s basketball program. He was also the guiding force in establishing the Avoca Exes Endowed Scholarship. In 2020, Don was honored to receive the McMurry Outstanding Alumni Award in Education.

Don remained very active during his retirement years. He attended athletic events for McMurry on a regular basis as well as for the area high schools. Don became quite involved with the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame as a leader by serving as vice-president of the board. As an active member of the Avoca Methodist Church, Don helped fundraise building projects and was not only a willing worker, but a willing leader. He also served as president of the Avoca Exes Association and was on the Spring Creek Cemetery Board.  If there was something going on, Don was involved.

A true sportsman, Don loved hunting and fishing. Friends Max and Carolyn Williams and their generosity allowed him complete access to their ranch to enjoy those activities at will. Don was known as a goodhearted person and had a reputation for helping others when they were down on their luck. Ready to make a deal and always looking for a bargain, he had a hard time passing up a garage sale.

Preceding Don in death were his wife, Charline, daughter, Donna Rocha, parents, Linna and R.T. Taylor, brothers, Bob and Gary Taylor, and their wives Clydia and Myra.

Don is survived by his son David Taylor of Rockwall; his brother Tommy Taylor and wife Madeline of Colleyville, TX; grandchildren: Devin Rocha (Tiffany), Kylie Martinez (Stephan), Michelle Sperling, and Staci Lynn Howell (Marcus); 10 great grandchildren; 1 great-great- granddaughter due in December; numerous nieces, nephews and a whole host of friends including Max and Carolyn Williams.

Funeral Services for Don will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, December 4, 2023, at the Avoca Methodist Church with Rev. Dennis Huffaker officiating. Burial will follow in Spring Creek Cemetery under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home. Visitation will be Sunday, December 3rd from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at Tankersley Funeral Home, 807 Columbia, Stamford, TX.

Memorials may be made in honor of Don to the Spring Creek Cemetery % Barbara Thompson, 8663 CR 605, Avoca, TX, or Stamford VIP Center, 508 Gould St. Stamford, TX 79553, or Avoca Methodist Church, % Barbara Thompson, 10820 CR 605, Avoca, TX 79503.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.tankersleyfuneralhome.com