Jimmy Ray Taylor, 54, Springfield, MO, formerly of Gainesville, MO, passed away on October 10, 2010 at Des Peres Hospital in Des Peres, MO. Jimmy Ray was born November 1, 1955 in Farmington, NM to Tommy Robert and Edna Breeden Taylor.

Jimmy had been a resident of Springfield, MO for most of his life and was a truck driver for many years. He spent his youth in Gainesville, MO and was baptized at the First Baptist Church. He attended Gainesville schools and acquired many lifelong friends while there, among them, his best friend Darrell White.

Jimmy enjoyed deer hunting and fishing, and spending time with family and friends. He could amuse friends by telling jokes for hours and never tell the same one twice. He never met a stranger and was well liked by everyone. He always tried to make it home for deer season each year for the hunt but most of all to sit around camp at night with friends and family. Hootin and Hollarin was another one of Jimmy's favorite things, getting to see everyone, the BBQ at Marty Hambelton's shop was an annual event that he never missed and looked forward to each year. He is gone from this life but will always be with us in our hearts and in the memories so many of us have of good times and laughter.

Jimmy Ray Taylor is survived by sisters Bobbie Smith of Desert Hot Springs, CA, Bonnie and Ron Crain of Muscatine, IA; brothers Lee and Gladys Taylor, and Tommy and Donnis Taylor all of Gainesville, MO. He is also survived by his best friend Darrell White and many nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Memorial Service will be held November 1, 2010 at 2 p.m. in the Gainesville Cemetery. Cremation services are under the care and direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.