Ricky Gene Taylor

Ricky Taylor, age 64, of Amarillo, passed away on February 19, 2020, after a battle with prostate cancer. Ricky was born on June 27, 1955, in Altus, Oklahoma to Gordon and Dottie Taylor. Ricky is survived by his mother, Dottie Taylor, of Sunray. He is also survived by an older brother, Shelby Taylor, and younger twin siblings, Mitzie Peeples and Mitch Taylor, all of Sunray.

Ricky has three children: Brittney Haas and Brandon Taylor of Amarillo and Brandi Carnes of Renton, Washington. His “Grandest of Kids” are Allen and Riley Haas, Audrey Heppell, Seth Taylor, Brynan Ray, Taylor Berry, Libbie, Hank, and Jonas Carnes. His great grandkids are Analise, Kaylee, and Benjamin Heppell and Jaxon Berry.

Ricky’s earlier career was spent farming in and around Sunray. In his later years, he flipped houses in Amarillo. His most important job was being an amazing dad and the best Papa/Pops ever.

Ricky’s proudest and fondest moments were spent with his grandchildren. He was surrounded by them during his final days. They lit up his life and gave him happiness. He made countless trips to play at the park, took them on trips, brought them lunch, gave them "specials," and even made midnight runs to Taco Bell for a houseful of boys. He only had two rules at his house: 1) have fun, and 2) don’t get hurt. This could be the reason why all of the kids wanted to live with him instead of their parents.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to his medical team who helped prolong his life more than we initially anticipated. A special thank you goes out to Dr. Javed Shinwari, Stephanie Wrather, and Susana Bustos, who extended the time our family had with Dad. You will never know how grateful we are to you. You eased our troubled minds and hearts and made this journey easier for us. We’re also incredibly thankful for Justin, Sheila, Cindy, Bobbi, Kim, Maria and Lupé (nurses of BSA Hospice of the Southwest) for being such a light in what’s normally a dark time. As a reminder, his kids would like to encourage all men and women to be your own advocate for your health, both mental and physical. Double-check doctors, listen to your body, and get second and third opinions if need be. Men, get those PSA scores every year and make sure that you are given the results.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation which he and one of his grandsons have battled, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (Give hope to kids with cancer).

Learn more about how you can support St. Jude at https://stjude.org

Dad, you were the BEST Papa/Pops that our kids could have ever had.You gave our children and us loads of love and fun. YOU will be greatly missed.

The “fun-real” will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at 1 pm. It’s a time to reflect, laugh and truly celebrate Ricky’s life. Please dress casually as our dad hated wearing a suit. We kids will be in f*ck cancer shirts. Disclaimer: this will not be a typical funeral service. Inappropriate language, laughs, and tears will be had. It’s a zero judgment zone. Ricky was raw and real, and that’s how he deserves to be honored.