Jefferson "Carl" Taylor, Jr, December 14, 1927-June 15, 2022

Order of Worship

Welcome & Gathering

Jesus said, I am the resurrection and I am life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, yet shall they live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.

Friends, we have gathered here to praise God and to witness to our faith as we celebrate the life of Jefferson Carl Taylor, Jr. We come together in grief, acknowledging our human loss. May God grant us grace, that in pain we may find comfort, in sorrow….hope, in death….resurrection.

Added encouragement and

prayer.

The family has chosen a song to honor Carl today. A song that acknowledges the hope we have that Carl is in a better place but also acknowleding the different experience for us today.

Dancing in the Sky -

Old Testament Reading

Psalm 23 NIV

A psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lordforever.

Pastoral Prayer

O God, who gave us birth, you are ever more ready to hear than we are to pray. You know our needs before we ask, and our ignorance in asking. Give to us now your grace, that as we shrink before the mystery of death, we may see the light of eternity. Speak to us once more your solemn message of life and of death. Help us to live as those who are prepared to die. And when our days here are accomplished, enable us to die as those who go forth to live, so that living or dying, our life may be in you, and that nothing in life or in death will be able to separate us from your great love in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Add prayer for Jeff and Connie; Grandchildren: Andy, Sarah, Todd, Aaron, and Kendall, great grand children and everyone else that mourns his passing.

Amen.

Will you join me in the Lord’s prayer as you are able:

OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME. THY KINGDOM COME. THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD, AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES, AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US, AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL. FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM, AND THE POWER, AND THE GLORY, FOR EVER AND EVER AMEN

Words of Remembrance

Would anyone like to share a short story or memory of Carl?

Jefferson Carl "Carl" Taylor, Jr., age 94 Passed Away on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 in Conroe, Texas. Carl was born December 14, 1927 in Yazoo, Mississippi to Jefferson Carl and Daisy Taylor.

With a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Mississippi State University, Carl had a 42 year career with Esso/Exxon from 1948-1990. Carl retired at age 65. He started his employment in Houston then to Hobbs, New Mexico onto Andrews, Midland, and Snyder, Texas, to Los Angeles for 21 years and finally back to Houston until retirement. He was a Design Engineer for oil and gas projects in Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, California and Alaska. While in Houston from 1984-1990, he worked for Exxon Production Research where he evaluated cutting edge technology projects and taught Well Control schools all over the world.

Carl never hesitated to tackle new challenges. From his career with Exxon to auto repairs to building and woodworking projects, he was extremely talented with hands on approach to achieve his dreams and goals. As a father, he made sure his kids received not only his love but also his time to help show them how to grow, accomplish, and nurture maturity for adulthood. Patience was definitely his virtue.

Carl and Genell’s greatest pastime and enjoyment was dancing. From the Waltz to the Foxtrot, Country western to Square dancing, they did it all. They would find events and bands every week. After Genell’s passing, Carl continued to Square dance till he was 91 years old. A broken hip finally limited his ability for his love and pastime.

Carl enjoyed the outdoors and hunting was a part of his life and adventure with trips all over the U.S. His first trips started in West Texas but also included New Mexico, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska’s Prince William Sound area. Carl took Genell on many trips, especially during early marriage years to Texas and Montana. Many good times around the campfires, cold nights, and beautiful scenery.

Carl and Genell traveled extensively for several years, mostly when Carl was teaching Well Control Schools all over the world. Some countries were visited several times, countries visited included Middle East, Turkey, Japan, China, South Korea, Russia, India, Australia, all the European countries, several South American Countries and a few in Africa as well as Alaska and Hawaii. Their experiences and stories about their travels were so enjoyable.

Kindness, courteous and congenial nature describes the best memories of Carl. He was certainly a gentleman’s gentleman. Genell never opened a car door if Carl was around, rain or shine. Genell never had to ask, but Carl always squeezed fresh lemon in her tea. Carl was generally soft spoken and let his actions speak for themselves. He was a strong husband and parent to foster two great kids and he always had a strong presence. If his wife or kids needed a shoulder, a hand, or love he was always there. Everyone always said he did not look 94, he carried his youth well.

Carl is preceded in death by his wife Edrie Genell Bowen Taylor and his parents, Carl is survived by his daughter Connie Taylor Davis; and his son Jefferson Carl Taylor III; his grandchildren Andy Taylor, Sarah Todd, Aaron Taylor and Kendall Hutto. Nine great grandchildren, other family members and a host of friends are also left to treasure his memory.Chris Hill, Judy’s son would like to come and celebrate her life

New Testament Reading and Message

John 14:1–4 NIV

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

John 14:23–27 NIV

23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. 25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Pray.

It has been an honor and joy to get to know Carl with Jeff and Connie this last couple weeks and to lead us today.

Carl as as already been witnessed to today was the most trustworthy man you could find around. The overalls and the flattop kinda communicate that right?

When he saw a need he would jump in to fix it.

It is a special thing for kids and loved ones to look back over a life and say “he gave us every opportunity”

Carl and Genell enjoyed their travel and they loved to dance. Finding dive bars and local spots to create community around their passion of dancing.

I learned of his dendability and service to others in his marriage....all the way through the finish line, serving selflessly.

No doubt that makes today difficult because there is a lot to miss. I know today is a day to celebrate your dad, grandpa, friend. To honor him. It is also a day that is as much for us. To remind us of the hope we have in God.

The text I read from John 14 would have the disciples feeling the beginning of a similar emotion. Jesus is preparing them for his death, resurrection, and departure. He is trying to teach them and prepare them for the mission that Jesus is now passing on to them. In the next few days they would see their leader die and that would be excruciating. Then Jesus knows they will have difficult days ahead as well and Jesus promises Peace….His peace. I want to say a few things about this peace today:

· His peace is unlike peace of this world

o The peace of this world is artificial and man-made. It is fleeting. It is like going on vacation to get away from your chaotic lives just to come right back to it.

o Peace of God is about order and restoration. Balance. Not painfree. I wont lie to you about that. But order

o Death is something that throws an in-balance that cannot be forgotten or altered. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is the only thing that can bring things back into balance. To bring assurance and promise, to bring hope, to bring celebration.

o He has conquered death itself and is the resurrection

· His peace is comprehensive

o He is sending the advocate, the Holy Spirit, the testify to our hearts

o And he is preparing a place for all of us that are in Christ Jesus

· Peace conditioned only by God’s presence with his people.

o Not on circumstances

o “Total well being, prosperity, and security associated with God’s presence among his people.”

· It’s the peace that even when things are not all alright…we still know he is with us.

I pray you know his peace today and in the days to come. Peace knowing that Carl is in that place prepared and promised where there is no more pain and suffering. With loved ones that have gone before her. And the peace that comes from God’s presence with you even now.

In the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Following this benediction, the family will be escorted out to prepare to go on to the graveside of which you are of course invited. They want to thank you for being here to support and to celebrate the life of Jefferson Carl Taylor.

Benediction

The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.