John Greene Taylor

John Greene Taylor was born on August 2, 1925, In Dallas, Texas, to Roy L. Taylor, Sr., and Florence Greene Taylor. John passed on Sunday, January 2, 2022, at the age of ninety-six (96). He was predeceased in death by his brother, Roy Taylor, Jr. John was married for over 21 years to Suzanne Ray Taylor, who passed away on August 14, 2005. John is survived by his son, Jim Baldi, of Costa Rica, and by Jim's children; by Suzanne's daughter, Kimberly Harrell (husband David Sadler), and Kimberly's children, Taylor, Alexis and Mackinzie.

John attended Bradfield Elementary School and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1943. While at Highland Park High School he lettered in football for two years and was all-district End in 1942.

John attended The University of Texas in Austin and graduated with a BBA in 1948. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. While at UT he was also a member of the Longhorn Foundation, the Goldsmith Society, Texas Littlefield Society, and the Chancellor's Council.

John served in the US Navy for 3 years as V-12 and served on the USS Wasp as a Radar Officer in CIC until the end of World War II.

John was an active member of the YMCA in downtown Dallas for over 70 years, serving as its Board Chairman in 1998 and 1999. He also held memberships in The Terpsichorean Club, The Idlewild Club, and The Dallas Country Club.

John became an Independent Insurance Agent in 1949 and was licensed for over 65 years. His father started a family insurance company named Roy L. Taylor, Sr. & Sons, where John worked alongside his father and brother until he later became owner of the company at his father's death. John was the President of Independent Insurance Agents of Dallas (IIAD) in 1979 and 1980, receiving from them the Distinguished Service Award in 1992 and 1993.

John was a member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church since 1940 where he ushered for over 60 years. He was a member of the Sons of Republic of Texas and Sons of American Revolution, and proudly displayed the Gadsden Revolutionary War flag "Don't Tread On Me" outside his home.

John was a rabid Longhorn Fan. On game day he could be found sitting on his front porch, Longhorn cap on his head, wearing the burnt orange colors of his team, and waiving to neighbors as they walked past.

John's grandfather, Herbert Miller Green, was a famed architect known for designing the Dallas National Bank Building as well as several buildings for the University of Texas at Austin. He also designed and built the home at 4511 Highland Drive in Highland Park, Texas, in 1921, where John lived most of his life. John would often speak of his happy childhood memories of climbing the stairs and sleeping on the screened in porch, the smell of rain and the cool breezes. John had the house registered with the City of Highland Park with the Historical Society in 2021, loved it, and spent his last days there.

John had a tremendous sense of humor. One night his home healthcare worker heard him talking in his sleep and then barking. The next day, when asked why he made the barking noise, his comment was that there was a guy he used to argue with regularly, and when the guy wouldn't pay attention John would bark at him to get him to shut up.

John could often be found laughing with friends at Dallas Country Club, Prego's, Sammy's Bar-B-Q (every week!), and Louie's on Henderson. Cherished memories for all.

John had a list that he frequently updated. It was known "Juani Taylor's Undesirables List," and you did not want to be on that list! At last count, there were 123 names to live in infamy.

The family would like to recognize the loving and professional care John received the last two years from Norris and Linda Cooley and the staff of Norris Cooley's Home Care Solutions.

A private service was held Friday, January 7, 2022.

Rest well, John, and, "Hook 'em!"

LINKS

Anderson Clayton Gonzalez Funeral Home

The Dallas Morning News Obituaries

http://www.dallasmorningnews.com