Claude “Gene” E. Taylor Jr., 92, of Beaumont, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, October 28, 2020. Gene was born on April 14, 1928, in Vidor, Texas, to the late Elsie and Claude E. Taylor Sr.
Gene enlisted in the United States Navy on January 10, 1946. He served his country honorably for 20 years as a Boiler Tender, achieving the rate of E7 Chief before he retired. Upon retiring, Gene worked in various industries, shipyard boilermaker, security guard, commercial fisherman supply, and finding his joy as a locksmith in Florida and Michigan. Gene opened his own locksmith shop, “Gene’s Lock and Key” in Palatka Florida from 1982 to 1991. Afterwards he lived in Leedy, Oklahoma from 1991 to 2005. Later he enjoyed being a mobile locksmith in Fort Myers, Florida, and helping out a shop in Mobile, Alabama until he retired to care for his wife. During Gene’s spare time, he enjoyed playing the harmonica, shooting pool, spending time with his family and friends, and leading many Bible studies.
Gene was married to Pearl “Ginny” Virginia Taylor for 45 years. Together they retired to live in the Angleton and Lake Jackson area until her passing in 2017.
Gene is now reunited with his parents; wife Ginny; children, Stephen A. Taylor and Patricia Hatcher; and 4 siblings.
Left to carry on Gene’s memory is his children, Linda Arnold, LaDonna Ainsworth and her husband Bill, Ronny G. Taylor Sr. and his wife Pat, and Paul M. Taylor and his wife Julie; sister Carol Hollingsworth and her husband Don; 16 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Ronny G. Taylor Sr., Bill Ainsworth, Willy Ainsworth, Jimmy Arnold, Tyler Holland, Justin Mayfield, Rick Smith, and David Smith.
