October 21, 1955 – September 10, 2015
Roy Douglas Taylor, 59, passed September 10, 2015 at home after an extended illness.
He was born October 21, 1955 to the late Lewis and Ruth Taylor.
Roy was an avid sports fan and a star basketball player. He was named Mr. Basketball in 1974. Not only was he an inspiration to his younger brothers, who went on to play basketball as well, he touched the lives of many in the Anderson community. As a proud leader of the Anderson Indians Basketball team, it was a given that #43 always led to a packed house at the Wigwam. His legendary jersey was retired in February 2014.
He graduated from Anderson High School in 1974. He received an Associate Degree from Vincennes University. He also later attended Murray State University.
He was joined in holy matrimony to Lenora Hampton on June 29, 2012.
Left to cherish his memory along with his wife are: daughters Tiaisha Smith and Deadra Taylor of Anderson, IN and a son, Nicolas (Chelsey) Taylor of Marion, IN. Siblings: Gloria (James) McClendon of Talladega, AL, Michael (Lillian) Taylor of Anderson, IN, Paula (Dennis) Cox of Anderson, IN, Rita (William) Orange of Blue Spring, MO, Judy Arnold of Decatur, AL, Janice (David) Tolbert of Anderson, IN, David (Anna) Taylor of Haywood, CA, Mark (Charlene) Taylor of Jax, FL, Jeffrey (Tara) Taylor of Anderson, IN, Lisa Taylor of Anderson, IN, Ruth (James) Hester of Anderson, IN, and Mary (Michael) Head of Anderson, IN; aunts, Sharon (Robert) Glazebrooks and Rosemary Davis, and an uncle, Phillip (Shirley) Brown; 4 grandchildren, 4 spiritual grandchildren and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald R. Taylor.
I want to express my sympathy to the family of Roy and keeping you in my prayers. He was a good friend of mine when we played basketball in Indianapolis. But became very good friends when he was living in Evansville and I moved to Evansville as well. I have thought of Roy often and tried to find out how to get in touch with him as years went by. I did not know he was sick. I will miss my friend but I’m glad that he’s in good hands with God and I will see him again. May God’s grace and peace carry you all through this difficult time.
Nick Owens
I never had a chance to watch him play basketball for Anderson, but Roy Taylor’s style of shooting jump shots no doubt left a lasting impression on those who also played for the Indians. But when he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour, my prayer is that it will leave a lasting impression on those who loved and knew him. God’s blessings and peace to Roy’s family and friends during this time.
My condolences to Roy’s family and friends. Roy and I were friends in high school but lost contact with each other over the years. I’m glad that Roy had accepted Jesus Christ as his savior. Now he is with the Father. Rest in peace.
Terri King Woodard
this is my uncle