Ponotoc
Funeral Home
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home
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Obituary
Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary
Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”
In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.
Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on February 18, 2024, and has moved on to his heavenly home. Retired Master Sergeant Harold Wesley Taylor, age 64, who had served in the MSARNG within HHC, 1/108th Cavalry Squadron and HHC, 2/198th Armor, 155th HBCT has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord. Taylor has also served with ARARNG as a recruiter. Taylor performed numerous scout missions during the Iraqi Freedom deployment.
It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.
Rest in Peace Soldier. We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.
You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.
Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.
Obituary, Visitation, and Service details:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Harold Wesley Taylor on February 18, 2024 after a challenging battle with cancer. Born on July 21, 1959 in Joplin, MO. Harold lived a life full of love, passion, generosity and service. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Kate Taylor; his children Rebecca (Justin) Madewell; Grayson (Jennifer) Taylor and Kaitlyn Taylor; his stepdaughter, Rachel (Eric) Tichy; his ten grandchildren; his siblings Michael Taylor, John Taylor, Ina Solley and Roxanna Poteete; and his numerous nieces & nephews. He was greeted in death by his late parents, Harold and Darline Taylor.
Harold Wesley graduated high school from Dardanelle, AR in 1977 and furthered his education in music at Arkansas Tech University and the University of Memphis. He was a gifted musician, with a deep appreciation for all genres of music with an especial fondness for classical music and 70’s rock. His love for music was only surpassed by his love for service and his country.
In 2007, Harold retired from an illustrious military career as a reservist that spanned 27 years and included a tour in Iraq with over 700 hundred combat missions to his credit. When not serving in the Army, he transitioned to civilian life as a data scientist with FedEx where he continued to work until his retirement in 2023. His dedication and work ethic were inspiring and led to a life of notable achievements.
Outside of work, Harold was passionate about history, often found with a historical book in hand. He was an avid motorcyclist and enjoyed camping and rafting with his family in the Ozark Mountains. His favorite pastime was genealogy, a hobby he pursued with tremendous dedication and joy. He created extensive family trees for his family and friends.
Harold was a man of exceptional character. Those who knew him described him as loving, affable, passionate, generous, and inspirational. His greatest lesson was in the way he lived his life, by always recognizing and appreciating all people. His legacy of love, respect, and acceptance will continue to inspire those he left behind.
Most of all, Harold cherished his family. His children and grandchildren were his life and legacy. He loved spending time with his devoted wife, Mary Kate, tending their farm and lake. His love for his family was a beacon of light in his life and will forever shine in the memories of those he leaves behind.
Harold’s passing is a significant loss for all who had the privilege to know him. His life was a testimony to his passion, kindness, and generosity. His devotion to Jesus Christ his God Almighty was unsurpassed. We will miss him dearly and take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through the lives he touched and influenced. May this old soldier never fade from our memories as he rests in God’s embrace in Heaven. We love you man!