Rufus Joe Taylor

February 9, 1935 - June 6, 2020

Joe Taylor Amory—Rufus Joe Taylor, 85, passed away peacefully at his residence, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, June 6, 2020. He was born in the Wayside Community in Fayette County, Alabama on February 9, 1935 to the late Maud Allen and Cammie Lee McDonald Taylor. During the mid 1950s, when Joe was 25 years old, he and his brother packed up and left Wayside Community, AL in search of jobs up North. Joe began working for International Harvester and in his spare time played in a band called the “Rebel Rousers.” It was a Rebel Rouser gig at Abe’s Place, a music venue up North, where he met and fell in love with Betty Cavender. On February 9, 1963, he married the love of his life. After 25 years working with International Harvest, Joe retired, and he and Betty made their way to Mississippi. In 1976, Betty and Joe moved to Amory, Mississippi, and Joe began working with ITT Engineering, where he stayed for 25 more years before his second retirement. Joe was a man of few words, but he had a heart of gold. He was quiet, kind, and generous. Joe was devoted to his family and friends. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, camping, whittling, and playing music. Back in his prime, he was a talented pitch washer player. He tended his gardens and liked to solve crossword and Sudoku puzzles. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. Joe will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Betty Cavender Taylor; son, Ronnie Taylor (Frances); sister, Donna Faye Brown; three beloved grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother. A funeral service will be held at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 10:30AM. No graveside services will follow. Burial will be in Haughton Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9:30AM until the service hour. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com