Dr. Ray Lowell Taylor, 90, of Paris, Illinois, died March 31, 2017, at Life's Journey. He was best known to the community as a veterinarian where he had been in practice for 51 years.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 7, 2017 from 2 – 7 pm at the Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home. Services will be conducted Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 10 am with the Reverend Michael C. Dixon celebrating his life. Burial will be immediately following services at Edgar County Cemetery.

Ray Taylor was born March 24, 1927, in Munson, MI, the son of Rhea (Borton) and Rush Taylor. He attended a one room school in Munson and graduated Fayette (OH) High School, class of 1944. He attended Michigan State College for one year before enlisting in the Navy at age 18. After 15 months of military service, he returned to MSC on the G.I. Bill and graduated with a doctorate in veterinary medicine in May 1950.

April 17, 1949, he married Barbara Mary Smith, daughter of Broadwell and Maudie (Cutler) Smith of South Haven, MI. Barbara preceded him in death August 2014.

Ray and Barb moved to Paris January 1951. Dr. Taylor joined in practice with long time veterinarian Dr. Bertie L. Strohl. Over time he was also in practice with Drs. Gerald Dart, Robert Williams, and Thomas Climer. When he first came to Edgar County, he had a large animal practice but over his career, reflecting the times, he transitioned into small animal practice. He provided veterinary services at the southside sale barn's Thursday sales his entire career.

Ray's civic involvements include: Edgar County Fair Board (35 years), Rotary (52 years), Shriners, Masons, and Elks Club. He was a member and past elder of the First Christian Church of Paris. He was a lifetime member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. His loved playing golf at Paris Country Club (under its various names). His lifelong hobby was managing his many rental properties in the community. Ray was active in pursuing a clean water supply from the Indiana aquifer for Paris' future.

Ray is survived by 3 daughters and a son: Sherry (Dennis) Miller of Grand Island, NY; Cindy (Bernie) Cash of Norman, OK; Gary (Mary) Taylor of Paris, IL; and Holly (Ken) Paul of Fuquay-Varina, NC. 7 grandchildren: Heather Cash, Ryan (Gretchen) Cash, Samantha Miller, Katherine Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor, David (Allison) Paul and Brian Paul; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters Ruth (Paul) Johnson, Loree (Merlin) Castor, Carol Jean (Phil) Fidler, Leah (Bruce) Rutledge, brother Paul (Eileen) Taylor and brother-in-law, Gailen (Wendi) Smith of Snowmass, CO. He was preceded in death by his wife, brother Wayne (Janis) Taylor and sister Mildred (Wayne) Uhler.

Memorial checks may be made to: University of Illinois Extension for Edgar County 4-H.