Johnny Vernon Taylor

Johnny Vernon Taylor was born March 27,1940, in Quitman, Texas to Johnnie Ruth and Otis Vernon. He entered into eternal rest on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the age of 84. Memorial services will be held with family and friends on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 10:00 am at The Cammack Family Welch Funeral Home in Longview, Texas.
After graduating from Quitman high school, Johnny served his country as a Special Reconnaissance Operator in the Army during the Vietnam War and was discharged honorably in 1963.
Johnny had an analytical mind for creating and exceptional attention to detail, traits that contributed to his long career as a CAD draftsman for Lebus Manufacturing in Longview, Texas, and then T W Forge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he resided until his retirement in 2010; at which point he returned to Longview to be near his family.
Johnny spent his time planting, tending to and "raising" his garden and trees. His green thumb was impressive and undeniable. He loved being outside and would spend the majority of his days milling about, always finding something else to do. If he slowed down at all, he could be found watching his favorite Nascar drivers Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. attempting to clinch another championship; just like his all-time favorite driver Dale Earnhardt Sr. did seven times- a fact he would not let you forget.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie Ruth and Otis Taylor; and his son, Stephen Allen Taylor. His physical presence will be sorely missed by his daughter, Suzanne Lawrence and husband, Joey; grandson, Matthew Taylor and wife, Michelle; granddaughters, Shelby and Kaiti Lawrence; grandsons, Jacob Taylor and Joshua Lawrence; and great grandchildren, Mason, Madilyn and Lyric.
"Papaw Johnny", a name in which his grandchildren and great grandchildren referred to him, took immense pride in his family. Standing 6'1", he was a gentle and quiet giant who wrote personalized notes in every birthday card, acted as his family's own personal meteorologist, and listened to any story someone had to tell; his witty humor following close behind. Although his time on earth was seemingly cut short to those who loved him, his peculiar and intentional spirit will never be forgotten.