Jack Lamar Taylor

Jack Lamar Taylor, Jr., 63, of Cleveland, MS passed away at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. There will be a visitation held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with the memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Cleveland, MS. Rev. Tim Starnes will officiate.

Lamar was born on February 21, 1961 in Clarksdale, MS to Nora Lynn and Jack Lamar “Chicken” Taylor. He graduated from Lee Academy and married his high school sweetheart, Debra on January 8, 1983. He acquired his master’s degree from Delta State University. He worked at Jimmy Sander’s Seed Company for thirty-four years until his retirement. After retirement, he found joy in serving Zoe Ministries as a board member and volunteer. He was a faithful member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. Lamar truly had servant hands and a heart of gold. His compassion and generosity touched the lives of so many. He was quick-witted and always smiling, laughing, and joking. He knew the value of fresh air and hard work. 

Lamar enjoyed spending weekends at the cabin with his family or riding the bush hog with the dog in his lap. Lamar loved animals and especially had a soft spot for dogs. His favorite pastime was photography; he was quite skilled and never missed an opportunity for capturing scenic nature or animals.  

Lamar was a supportive husband, father, and grandfather. Of all of his accomplishments in his life, nothing meant more to him than when he earned the title “PawPaw.” He did everything he could to prioritize his grandchildren and made sure that they knew they were loved.  Lamar left an impression on and touched so many lives. 

Lamar is preceded in death by his parents, Nora Lynn Gaddy Taylor and Jack Lamar “Chicken” Taylor. 

Lamar is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Debra Barbieri Taylor of Cleveland, MS; sons, Bradley Taylor and his wife, Morganne of Cleveland, Ryan Taylor and his friend, Chris Tollefson of Ithaca, NY, and Conner Taylor and his wife, Taylor of Olive Branch, MS; sisters, Kay Sibley and her husband, Frank of Oxford, MS, and Jackie Stroud and her husband, Bobby of Olive Branch; brothers-in-law, Steven Barbieri and his wife, Johnna and their daughter, Brylan of Moon Lake, MS, and Michael Barbieri and his wife, Joie of Olive Branch; granddaughter, Nora Grace Taylor; grandsons, Renly Jack Taylor and Andrew Steele Taylor; and a host of other family members. 

In lieu of traditional flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to go to Zoe Ministries (www.zoemeanslife.org), who have supported those in East Africa by providing clean water, rescuing orphaned children, and empowering women through providing work and skill training.