Van Richard Taylor

Mr. Van Richard Taylor, 66, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2017, at North Mississippi Medical Center in West Point, Mississippi. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 19, 2017, in the Nowell Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gerald Butler and Rev. Ernest Flake officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at Nowell Massey Funeral Home from 1:00 p.m. until service time. A private family memorial service will be held at a later time.


Richard was born March 21, 1950, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, to Shelby and Inez Adcock Taylor. He was a talented mechanic who spent his time working on farm equipment and large machinery. Also, he loved to fish, work in his garden, and he very much enjoyed talking with people.

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Bonnie Taylor of Shuqualak, Mississippi; three daughters, Susan Presley and husband, Jimmy, of Preston, Mississippi; Sandra Dewberry Flake and husband, Jimmy, of Louisville; and Beth Thompson also of Shuqualak; and one son, David Johnson, Jr. of Philadelphia, Mississippi. One of his greatest joys was being “Pop” to his seven grandchildren: Michelle Dixon and husband, Harry; Kayla Thompson; Dawson Boyette; Sarah Johnson; Dalanna Parker and husband, Wesley; Anthony Flake and wife, Cyndi; and Robert Flake. He was also a devoted “Pop” to eight great-grandchildren: Nikkie Howard; Dallas Dixon; Makayla Dixon; Alayna Johnson; Andie Kay Parker; Bo Edward Parker; and Laine and Payton Flake. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of standing sprays, the family requests potted plants or cut arrangements. Memorial contributions in honor of Richard may be given to the Alzheimer's Association, P. O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Services are under the direction of Nowell Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.