Ray "Rex" Taylor

Ray Taylor, 88, of Mt. Washington, KY passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at his home. He was born in Bell County, Kentucky on January 16, 1932 to the late Andy Taylor and Carrie Green and raised by his beloved grandmother on Hance’s Creek.

Ray married Madalyn Cates of Berea, KY. He is survived by his two children: Allen (Anne) Taylor of Punta Gorda, FL and Douglas Taylor, Fruitland Park, FL.  Mr. Taylor is also survived by his sister, Betty (Earl) York and numerous cousins and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Lee Roy Taylor and sister, Margaret Taylor.

Ray was a 1950 graduate of Bell County High School. He then joined the U.S. Army Paratroopers where he served and was wounded in the Korean War. As a result of his valor under fire, he received a Purple Heart, UN Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two stars, and Combat and Parachutist Badges.

Following his discharge from the Army, he returned to Louisville, KY where he joined Transit Oil Company. While working, he obtained his real estate brokers license in KY and IN and begin selling real estate and building homes. During this period, he built his own home on his farm in Palmyra, IN. Later in his life, he returned to the government and worked until retirement at Naval Ordnance Station in Louisville, KY. Eventually, he moved to Mt. Washington, KY to be closer to his older brother.

Throughout his life, Ray was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also obtained his private pilots license and enjoyed flying recreationally.

Late in life, he found a soulmate in Hazel Mae Hunt, who he spent much time with. They enjoyed going to Churchill Downs, traveling, and just being together until she was taken by brain cancer.

Ray was an “old school” mountain man who had a solid work ethic and moral code and treated all he met as equals, no matter what their status in life.

During his life, he was a role model and inspiration for many young men who he always encouraged towards their goals.

A Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 (noon) on Wednesday at the McFarland-Troutman-Proffitt Funeral Home with Pastor Harold Blain officiating. Burial will follow at the Mt. Washington Cemetery where military rites will be conducted.  Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Ray Taylor to the Disabled American Veterans (dav.org ).

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