Donald Ray Taylor, 86, died on December 21, 2024 in Nocona, TX.  He was born on January 20, 1938 in Nocona, TX to Johnny & Ozella Lewis Taylor.  

 A lifelong resident of Nocona, Donald Ray never met a stranger and always found a fencepost to strike up a conversation. He loved to tell stories and laugh; you never knew what he might say. Most of the time, he had no filter, and said the things all of us were thinking, but would not dare say. He loved kids and dogs. His wife used to say, “I never saw a dog or kid that wouldn’t take up with Donald Ray”. His dog, Buddy, became his constant companion after the death of his wife. He coached his sons’ little league baseball team, Rotary Club, for many years, which resulted in multiple championships. Sports was always a big part of Donald Ray’s life, whether playing or watching. After his softball playing days were over, he took up a more reserve sport – golf. He could literally talk a golf ball into a hole! However, it usually involved some rather colorful language. Donald Ray could always be identified on the golf course – he was the one with his hand on his hip looking disgusted at his previous t-shot! Donald Ray and his wife Pat, went on numerous golfing trips with the Mike and Sue Henry, Jimmy and Ann Fitts and Don and Jackie Montgomery, as well as other friends. These people became their life-long friends. He was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. To hear him on game day, you would have thought he owned the team! He was fortunate to see his Texas Rangers in a World Series game. He also enjoyed watching golf on tv, as well as the PBR (Professional Bull Riding) and was able to attend several of those events. He worked several years for Bowie Industries in Bowie, Texas before he began working for Nocona ISD. Donald Ray became the supervisor of maintenance and transportation for the school district and worked for them until he retired in 1999.  He was a proud veteran having served in the U.S. Army. He married the love of his life Patsy Cheshier on August 25, 1965 in Nocona, TX.   

 He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Patsy Taylor, and son, Brad Taylor.  He is survived by his children, Jeff Taylor of Orange Grove, TX, John Taylor & wife Sandy of Christoval, TX, Kim Taylor of Dallas, TX, two grandchildren, Tanya & Amber and 2 great-grandchildren and his dog, Buddy. 

 There will be a funeral service on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 2 P.M. at Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tom Skinner, Steve Tettleton, Bob Langford, Jon Dunfee, Manuel Sanchez, and Coley Frye.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Jimmy Bennett, Mike Henry, Chris Tettleton and Toby Howard. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the St. Jude’s Hospital.