Ray Taylor

Delbert Ray Taylor, 87 of Rigby, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2012 at The Gardens of Rigby Assisted Living in Rigby, Idaho. He was born February 8, 1925 in Lewisville, Idaho to Delbert Guy and Eva Viola Clement Taylor, their second child in a family with six children. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ray attended schools in Rexburg, Idaho and graduated from Madison High. After graduation he continued his education at Ricks College. Ray was tall, athletic and talented; these gifts allowed Ray to play in team sports such as football and basketball for both Madison High and Ricks College. He served as a pilot in the Army Air Force during World War II; this sparked a passion for flying that would remain with Ray for many years. On January 21, 1948 he married the love of his life, Thelda Burns in Rexburg, Idaho; later, on July 16, 2004, they were able to seal that love for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Through their years of marriage they were blessed with four children; two sons and two daughters. Ray was a successful businessman and was an owner in several businesses such as, Taylor Chevrolet, Ray’s Chevrolet, Ucon Produce and Pro Ida Foods. Ray found a passion for golf; he became one of the first stockholders in Jefferson Hills Golf Course. In addition to golf, Ray also enjoyed bowling in area leagues with his wife Thelda. Ray had a deep love and respect of the outdoors, this included fishing, hunting and spending time at his cabin in Island Park. Above all, Family always came first for Ray; this was especially easy to see when his grandkids were around, they always brought a big smile to his face. He is survived by a son Scott B. (Merrillyn) Taylor of Salmon, Idaho and 2 daughters, Cody Taylor of Rigby, Idaho and Lexie (Clair) Kinghorn, of Lewisville, Idaho, one brother Gerald (Gae)Taylor and one sister Colleen (Newel) Neibaur, 12 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, a son Trent James Taylor, a son-in-law Mark Taylor, a grandson Christopher Merrill Taylor, 2 brothers, Joseph Levi Taylor and Robert Milton Taylor, and one sister Nola Wheelwright. The family expresses their deep gratitude to Hands of Hope Hospice and The Gardens of Rigby Assisted Living for the wonderful care that was given to their dad. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 23, 2012, at the Rigby 12th Ward LDS Chapel, 602 Sundance Drive, Rigby. The family will receive friends at the church, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. prior to services on Monday. Burial will be in the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Funeral Home in Rigby.