Fred William Taylor, 90, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 7, 2022.

Fred was born on January 17th, 1932 in Spring Creek, WV, son of the late Fred and Ruby Taylor. He received his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and his master’s and doctorate from North Carolina State University. He moved to Starkville in 1965 and served as a professor and Assistant Director of the Mississippi Forest Products Utilization Laboratory at Mississippi State University. He enjoyed traveling, camping in his camper, hunting, playing tennis, working in his backyard workshop and MSU girls’ basketball. He was a woodworker and craftsman and enjoyed making furniture and other items for his home, children, grandchildren and friends.

Fred was a dedicated Christian and was a member of the Starkville Church of Christ where he served as a deacon for many years. He had a heart for missions and worked tirelessly with World Bible School, even travelling to Zimbabwe to encourage some of those with whom he studied. He also was a great supporter of Family Life Missions and made several trips to Por Los Niños Children’s Home in Honduras, where he put his skills as a carpenter and general handyman to good use.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Taylor; sons Rick Taylor and John Taylor; daughters Jean Davis and Tacy Bonner (Richard); grandchildren Ty Davis (Whitney), Gill Bonner (Amber), Parker Davis, Ian Manning (Julie), Shelby Gentry (Jay), Kendall Bonner and Tessa Taylor; and great-grandchildren Lincoln Davis, Tucker Davis and Connor Manning.

The family would especially like to thank the following wonderful people who helped provide care for Fred during his years of illness. Angel Johnson, Angel Smith, Brittany Manuel, Charmaine Gabbidon, Doshie Patterson, Erika Glenn, Franchescia Prater, Lakreesha Henley, Lisa Dawson, Patricia Prater and Toshia Jones.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Starkville Church of Christ, 685 East Lee Blvd., with the service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Oddfellows Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Family Life Missions, PO Box 332510 Murfreesboro,TN 37133 or World Bible School, 16110 Anderson Mill Road, Cedar Park, TX 78613.