James Taylor

James Emory Taylor

Avera, GA  –               James Emory Taylor, 63, loving husband of 43 years to Shirley Mock Taylor, entered into his eternal rest Sunday night, June 17, 2018 at Jefferson Hospital.  Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday afternoon, June 22, 2018 at James Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ed Chance officiating.  Interment will follow in the Wrens Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

James was a native of Sardis but grew up in Sylvania when the family moved after his father’s passing. He met the love of his life while living in Millen. He loved the land and was working on a farm when they got married. After getting married, they moved to Sylvania, later moving to Warrenton in 1990 before settling in Avera in 1999 when they bought their own tract of land. Having his CDL, James drove a sanitation truck for McGahee Sanitation in Columbia and McDuffie counties. Because of health issues, he had to retire from working at the age of 53.  Being mechanically inclined, James was always “tinkering” on small motors—especially lawn mowers and golf carts.  If it had a motor, he could fix it.  He did enjoy being in the mountains.  James had a very dry wit and enjoyed joking around—or as some say, stirring the pot.  Free spirited and fun-loving, he never complained with any of his health issues and stoically persevered through it all.  He loved his family unconditionally and his grandchildren brought him great joy and pride—they were his world.  A loving husband and devoted father, James will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

James was also preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Jefferson Taylor, Nettie Mae Lovett Taylor Callison and Grady Ray Callison; and brother, Grady Taylor. Other survivors include his three children, Rachael T. Usry (Dave), Jamie T. Wills (Richard) and James E. Taylor Jr. (Christin); six grandchildren, Jennifer Lewis (Cole), Benjamin Wheeler, Taylor Wills, Haylee Wills, James E. Taylor III and Lee Jump III; one great granddaughter, Amelia Lewis; six siblings, Billy Callison (Frances), Margaret Hillis (Mark), Grady Callison (Nancy), Tamie Mock (Brian), Virginia Holton (Ronald) and David Callison (Daphne); numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Pallbearers will be Benjamin Wheeler, Richard Wills, Cole Lewis, Earnie Hall Sr., Earnie Hall Jr., Wendell Bolton, Jonathan Douglas, and David Newsome.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Thursday evening, June 21, 2018.

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