Ray D. Taylor, age 68, of Russiaville, formerly of Frankfort, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at IU Health Arnett in Lafayette. He was born February 8, 1958 to Charles Sydney and Nanette (James) Taylor in Frankfort. Ray married his best friend Charlene Abston on May 6, 1983 in Frankfort and she survives.
Ray graduated from Frankfort High School in 1976 and soon entered the workforce, where he held a variety of positions, including work in construction. He later found his niche as a custodian at South Side Elementary, a role in which he took great pride. Ray was deeply committed to his work and found fulfillment in maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for others. When time allowed, Ray and Charlene attended The Bible Holiness Church in Frankfort, where they found fellowship and community. Ray found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. He could often be found tending to his yard and garden, carefully growing vegetables that he would later incorporate into his cooking. A natural in the kitchen, Ray had a gift for bringing ingredients together to create meals that gathered his family around the table, something that meant a great deal to him.
In his quieter moments, Ray enjoyed listening to music or taking walks around Frankfort. Occasionally, Ray would reluctantly take Juliette, their pet chihuahua, on walks around the neighborhood—sometimes even letting her ride on his walker when she grew tired, a small but meaningful reflection of his deep love for animals. A lifelong learner, Ray was a wealth of knowledge and had a particular fondness for reading encyclopedias. He delighted in sharing facts and stories with anyone willing to listen, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him.
Along with his wife of nearly 43 years, Ray is survived by his father, Charles Sydney Taylor Sr. and step-mother, Mattie Jewel Taylor; children, Douglas (Dr. Daniel) Peo, Lyndsey (Michael) Kinney, and Tobias (Latisha) Taylor; Grandchildren, Jefferson and Shayla Fouse, Cayden Yancey, and Jayden Smith; Siblings, Joyce (Gerald) Warrick, Mabel (James) Griffin, Judy Lucas, Kathy George, and Hobart “Randy” Taylor; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Ray is preceded in death by his mother; Brother, Charles Sydney Taylor Jr. , and Brothers-in-law, Marvin Lucas and Tobias George.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 11 am until the time of the service at 1pm, with Pastors Mark Mowery and Stephen Parker officiating. Burial will follow at Kilmore Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Ray can be made to the funeral home to assist the family with expenses. Messages of condolence can be left at dayandgenda.com