Dr. Gary James Taylor (Doc T)

Dr. Gary James Taylor (Doc T) passed away peacefully on May 28, 2022, at the age of 89 in Blytheville. Dr. Taylor was born in Blytheville to James Marcus Taylor and Wilsie Hassell Taylor, where in his words, the delivering physician (grandfather of actor George Hamilton interestingly enough) “conspired with my father and mother to name me ‘Gary’ after the taciturn movie star Gary Cooper.” Dr. Taylor was an avid reader from a young age, a habit which he cultivated his entire life.

Dr. Taylor was a 1952 graduate of Blytheville High School (where he later taught). Following a two-year stint in the U.S Army, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in history from Southern Nazarene University in 1959 (graduating summa cum laude) and his master’s degree in English literature and linguistics from the University of Arkansas in 1967. He later attained his Ph.D. in English literature and linguistics from the University of Arkansas in 1972, following that up with post-doctoral studies at the British Museum in London, England from 1973 to 1974.

Dr. Taylor taught English at Blytheville High School from 1959-1967 where he earned a reputation for being “tough but fair.” As he put it, “They had to read long novels – from Dostoevsky to Hemingway – and pass exams on them, usually about five novels each semester!” From 1967 to 1970 he was a graduate instructor in English at the University of Arkansas. From 1970 to 1973 he was an assistant professor and the Director of Freshman English at Arkansas State University. After completing his post-doctoral studies in London, he moved with his wife and two young sons to Germany where he taught for the University of Maryland, European Division at several U.S Tactical Command Bases from 1974 to 1977. In 1977 he returned to Blytheville where he became the Director of Adult Education at Mississippi County Community College (MCCC) until 1984 when he became the Dean for Educational Services from 1984 to 1986. From 1986 he was the Vice President for Academic Affairs until his retirement in 1998.

Dr. Taylor traveled extensively throughout his life and after retirement thoroughly enjoyed visiting multiple countries including Egypt, China and Israel.

He was also an accomplished classical pianist and artist focusing primarily on painting. He also enjoyed cooking and was fluent in multiple cuisines from around the world. His interests and hobbies also included photography, salt-water fishing, classical music, and of course reading. He loved nature and animals as well.

Dr. Taylor was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Blytheville, where he greatly enjoyed fellowship and bible study.

Dr. Taylor leaves his two sons, Quinn Taylor of St Louis, Mo., and Blake Taylor of Blytheville; two sisters, Mary Janet Taylor of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., and Judy Ann Taylor of Atlanta, Ga.; and one nephew, Brian Long of Jacksonville Beach, Fla.

Contributions in Dr. Taylor’s memory can be made to the First United Methodist Church, 701 West Main Street, Blytheville, Arkansas 72315. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.