Alan Rodney Taylor

Alan Rodney Taylor, age 76, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Saint Francis Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Oxford Memorial Cemetery in Oxford, Mississippi with Rev. Dean Stewart officiating. All are invited to a reception celebrating Alan’s life at the Hall’s residence, located at 3557 Cranberry Point Cove, Southaven, MS 38672, from 3:30 P.M. until 6:00 P.M.

Born on July 2, 1948, in Los Angeles, California, Alan was the beloved son of the late Elmer and Maggie Taylor. Alan spent his formative years on a dairy farm in Bronson, Kansas, instilling in him a strong work ethic. He graduated from Blue Mound High School in 1965 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas.

A proud veteran, Alan served actively in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of E7, and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He continued his commitment to service through many years in the Naval Reserves. He settled in Bentonville, Arkansas, where he began his career.

Professionally, Alan worked as an electrical engineer for TRW in Rogers, Arkansas, for many years before transitioning to Clarke Industries, where he held roles in electrical engineering and product management. Upon retirement, he embraced various roles, including school bus driver and real estate agent, always staying active and engaged. He relocated to Olive Branch, Mississippi, where he met his wife, Ginger, creating a beautiful life together.

Alan was a man of many interests. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, tinkering in his garage, grilling and smoking meats, and even built a trike using parts from an old Volkswagen Beetle. A true foodie, he relished late-night bowls of ice cream and cherry pie. Alan was affectionally known as gramps and pops by his many beloved grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. He cherished staying connected with friends and family, often attending reunions and delving into genealogy. His faithful Chihuahua, Penny, was a constant companion and source of joy.

A devoted member of LaBelle Haven Baptist Church in Olive Branch, MS, Alan found community and spiritual fulfillment among his fellow congregants.

In addition to his parents, Alan was preceded in death by his first wife, Rainelle Kay Taylor; his third wife, Roma Darlene Taylor; his son, Kevin Alan Taylor; and his stepson, Bryan Todd Driggers; and his sister, Shirley Zortz.

Alan is survived by his loving wife, Virginia “Ginger” Thompson of Olive Branch, Mississippi; his daughters, Aimee Kaylene Hall and husband, Craig Finley Hall, of Southaven, Mississippi and Mylinda Taylor Allen and husband, Ernie Ray Allen Jr. of Pulaski, Wisconsin; son, Randy Lee Taylor and wife, Lora Jane McDaniel of Fort Worth, Texas; and his grandchildren, Reagan Kay Taylor Hall, Tanner Taylor Bobbie Allen, Samuel Ray Allen, Trevor Michael Alan Taylor (Allie), and Rainelle Kay Peyton Taylor (Corey).

He is also survived by his stepdaughters; Laurie Boughner and husband, Brice, of Spring Hill, Tennessee and Linsey Belk of Memphis, Tennessee; step-sons, Rob Driggers and wife, Rhonda, of Lincoln, Arkansas, John Thompson and wife, Natasha, of Germantown, Tennessee; step-grandchildren, Cassie Youngblood (Jason), Justin Alderson (Mallory), Davis Boughner, Kelsey Boughner, McLain Boughner, Alex Belk, Lucy Belk, Cooper Thompson, Jake Thompson, and Dylan Thompson. Additionally, Alan is survived by his daughter-in-law, Alicia Taylor; as well as many great-grandchildren.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Alan’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, or online at www.stjude.org.

Alan’s legacy of love, kindness, and craftsmanship will be carried on by all who knew and loved him. His presence and whimsical humor will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.