TAYLOR, Alford (Okie), Jr.

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona Wednesday, February 17, 2010 Alford "Okie" Taylor Jr., 84, of Flagstaff, died Feb. 10, 2010, at his home with family by his side. He was born Jan. 29, 1926, in Fort Gibson, Okla., to Alford and Bernice Gilford Taylor. Mr. Taylor was a longtime resident of Flagstaff, having moved here in 1952. He was a fine finisher, working as a mason for many years. He loved fishing, hunting and baseball. He played semi-pro ball in Canada and Tulsa, in Flagstaff for Garcia Adobe Aztecs and the Flagstaff Merchant team. The Taylor family is one of Flagstaff oldest African-American families. Mr. Taylor and his wife, Ruby, participated in the Northern Arizona University African-American history study. He is survived by sister-in-law Queen Esther of Las Vegas; children Alvin (LaVette) Taylor, Priscilla (Archie) Edwards, Delford (Julia) Taylor, Jerry (Christine) Taylor, Keith (Ethel) Taylor, Joyce Dodson, Lois (Michael) McGuire, Corris Taylor, Antoinette "Toni" Taylor Nichols; 15 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Mr. Taylor was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruby Mae Taylor, in 2005. Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Norvel Owens Mortuary. Funeral services will be Friday at 10 a.m., also at Norvel Owens Mortuary. Burial, with military honors, will be at Citizens Cemetery following funeral services. Condolences can be sent to www.norvelowensmortuary.com. Arrangements are by Norvel Owens Mortuary.