Ronnie Taylor

If something was broken, Ronnie Taylor could fix it. A stubborn bolt, a busted fridge, a broken heart-Ronnie had a knack for putting things back together, and not just with tools, but with grit, love, and that signature laugh that made you feel like everything was going to be just fine.

Born on October 1, 1951, in Lubbock, Texas, Ronnie brought a spark to the world that would never dim. He graduated from New Deal High School in 1970 (Go Lions!), then took his talents to Texas Tech University, proudly becoming a Red Raider-and an even prouder supporter for the rest of his life. Whether you found him refereeing a football game, cheering on the Frenship Tigers, his Red Raiders or  Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, Ronnie’s love of sports ran as deep as his love for family, faith, and community.

Ronnie met the love of his life, Carolyn, at First Church of the Nazarene in Lubbock. They said “I do” on November 20, 1976, and spent 48 years building a life full of faith, laughter, and loving chaos together. A team through thick and thin, they raised two daughters, Lindsee and Courtney, and later welcomed granddaughters Emoree and Kynzee.

Ronnie had a rich, powerful bass voice that he used whenever he could to minister and praise his Lord. He and Carolyn shared a strong love for Southern Gospel music and cherished their time singing together in the choir. Ronnie especially enjoyed singing with quartets and was proud to be a part of the Watchmen in his final years.

Ronnie not only welcomed his son-in-law, Ryan Doherty, into the family-he treated him like a son. Whether they were swapping stories, enjoying their time on the water, or cheering at a game together, Ryan became part of the crew, sharing in Ronnie’s passion for family and football. Ronnie was proud of the man his daughter married and grateful for the way Ryan loves Courtney and their girls.

He didn’t just build a family-he built a business too with his Dad. As the owner and operator of Roy B. Taylor Sales, Ronnie supplied delis and butchers with the equipment they needed to keep slicing and dicing. But more than selling gear, he sold trust. Customers became friends. Friends became family. And all of them knew they could count on Ronnie to go the extra mile, maybe even crack a joke while he was at it.

Known for being hilarious, a natural storyteller, and just plain good company, Ronnie could turn a simple errand into an epic tale and a minor mishap into a comedy sketch. His stories were well-loved-sometimes exaggerated, always entertaining and many were on repeat. His persistence and determination were unmatched; when Ronnie set his mind to something, not even a rusty wrench or a skeptical crowd could slow him down.

Above all, Ronnie was a loving husband, a devoted father, a proud father-in-law, a doting Poppy, a proud brother to his sister Sherry McCallon, and a believer in Jesus Christ. His faith wasn’t loud or boastful, but lived out in every interaction, every act of kindness, every chuckle shared over a plate of BBQ.

Ronnie Taylor lived fully and joyfully, with his sleeves rolled up and his heart wide open. His memory lives on in the laughter of his granddaughters, the stories shared around the dinner table, and the countless lives he touched simply by being Ronnie.

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