Tommy Dean Taylor

GILMER- Tommy Dean Taylor, 83, of Gilmer, passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, December 23rd, 2015 at Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview, Texas. Born in Chico, Texas on April 14th, 1932 to Hugh Clarence and Essie Lee Choate Taylor. Tom is survived by his Sister, Peggy Jo Bratton of Lindale, first wife Maxine Billingsley of Brandon, Mississippi and Sons, Jay Dean of Gilmer, Texas, Tommy Joe of Brandon, Mississippi, second wife, Kay Peterson of Tyler, Texas and many nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his 5 brothers, Billy Gene of Seattle, Washington, Bobby Ray and Jackie Pat, both of Gilmer, Texas, Jimmy Glen of Texas City, Texas and Jerry Nell of Tatum, Texas. Tom graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Geology after serving in the Navy aboard the USS Oriskany during the Korean War. Tom spent his career all over the country working in various capacities in the Oil and Gas industry, finally returning home to his beloved East Texas in the 1990"s and settling outside of Gilmer. When not working, Tom enjoyed playing Golf and appeasing his muse through painting. In lieu of flowers a memorial is suggested to Upshur County Hope House for Pets or O"Malley Alley Cat- Tyler. The visitation will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2015 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Croley Funeral Home Chapel, Gilmer, Texas. (903) 843-2555 A family burial will take place at Judson Cemetery.