Ronald Dale Taylor

Ronald Dale Taylor, 73, of Welsh completed his flight home on Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.

Funeral services, officiated by Rev. Ricky Treece, will be held at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Welsh.

The family welcomed friends at the church Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020, from 4-8 p.m. Visitation will resume today, Wednesday, from 8 a.m. until time of service.

He will be laid to rest in Oaklawn Cemetery.

He was born Oct. 18, 1946, to Robert and Helen Taylor in Jennings. His family’s deep-rooted love of agriculture paved the way to his lifelong career in flying. Growing up, he spent many days with his grandfather on the family farm, leading to the sight of his first love – a cropduster. At the age of 14, he and his cousin, Biff, fearlessly hopped aboard his grandfather’s Luscombe Tail Dragger, flying it successfully about a mile away to his Aunt Bell’s house, a buzzing she would never forget.

He was a graduate of Welsh High School Class of 1964. After graduation, he obtained his commercial pilot license. Many of his days were spent in the air viewing the beautiful skylines and rice fields. He was a pioneer with many organizations, teaching safety to other pilots. He was a member of National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), president of NAAREF and a PAASS Presenter.

He was welcomed into heaven by his parents and his aunt, Rena Belle Monceaux.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Kent Taylor, Laura (Zeb) Hawkins and Stuart (Jessica) Taylor; a sister, Carol (David) Fraser; grandchildren, Reece, Audrey, Annaleigh, Ada, Kynlee and Slade; a niece, Julia Fraser Harris; and a nephew, Andrew Lee Fraser.

The family extends many thanks to Golden Age of Welsh, Harbor Hospice and Heart of Hospice for their diligent care. Also a special thanks to his dear friends Phil Stokes, Bill Sinke and Bill Caraway.

You are invited to share a memory or give condolences to the Taylor family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.