Dates
Raymond “Sonny” Wendell Taylor, Jr. left this Earth to be with his mother Billie Frances Morrison on Sunday, December 8, 2013.
Sonny was born in San Angelo, Texas on February 10, 1951 to Billie Morrison and Raymond Taylor, Sr. Sonny grew up in Ruidoso, New Mexico, where he met the love of his life Teri Corbell Taylor. Teri and Sonny were childhood sweethearts from the age of 6.
Sonny graduated from Ruidoso High School in 1969. After graduation, Sonny attended Sul Ross State University. Teri and Sonny were married on May 25, 1970 in Ruidoso, but lived in San Angelo until Sonny joined the Navy in February of 1971.
Along side his brother Ronnie, Sonny served in the United States Navy from 1971 to 1975 in Key West, Florida.
Sonny and Teri welcomed their first-born son Raymond “Trey” Wendell Taylor III while in Key West in October of 1972.
During his stay in the Navy, Sonny discovered his passion for photography. Key West remained one of his favorite vacation spots. Following his service to his country Sonny, Teri and Trey moved home to San Angelo where he pursued his career as a professional photographer and owner of Wallace studios.
The Taylor’s welcomed little brother Toby Lynn in May of 1977. That same year Sonny began coaching Trey’s soccer team. This would lead to an unparalleled passion and unforgettable milestones for the San Angelo soccer community. In 1978 Sonny initiated the San Angelo Soccer Association and became the first association president. With a great vision in mind, Sonny approached the City of San Angelo and the Core of Engineers to obtain the lease to build the soccer fields that have grown leaps and bounds. Throughout his 25 years as a soccer coach, Sonny helped coach and raise over 100 young men and San Angelo Central’s first female varsity soccer player. Many of the athletes went on to become soccer coaches them selves. They not only contribute the love for soccer to Sonny but also have a genuine respect for him and his role he played in their upbringing.
In the early 80’s as the soccer community blossomed, Sonny sold Wallace studios and went into the family business with his father and brother as part owner of Home Motors Wrecker Service. Sonny loved each and every one of his employees and made sure that they and their families felt like part of the Taylor family.
In 2001, Sonny and Teri joined the Hoolihan group. For the last 12 years the Hoolihan group has been their second family. The Taylor’s enjoyed this past time as they did many others. The couple enjoyed traveling alone as well as with friends. Sonny’s favorite trips were to British Colombia and fishing at Ole’s. Sonny loved going to the ranch and spending time with the longhorns.
Outside of traveling, his favorite form of entertainment came from the activities of his grandchildren and taking Teri to do anything her heart desired. As one family member stated, he was very encouraging of Teri’s favorite past times as well. The two shared a bond that will never be broken.
As he leaves his bride behind as he prepares a beautiful place for her, he is also survived by: his son Trey; son Toby and wife Tish along with their children Paige, Cole, Brandt and Izzy; his father Raymond Taylor Senior; brother Ronnie Taylor and wife Mary; sister Duchess Casler; special brother in law Tony Corbell; many loving nieces and nephews; life long friends Sam and Kim Sparks and his famous longhorns who he planned to spend his retirement with. Sonny was preceded in death by his mother Billie Frances; his step mother Doris Taylor; his mother and father in law Bill and Billie Jo Corbell and his loving grandparents.
Visitation was held from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 10th at Johnson’s Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 11th in Johnson’s Funeral Home chapel. Burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery.
If you would like to honor Sonny and those who preceded him, the family asks that you make a memorial in his name to the San Angelo Soccer Association.