Jefferson Carl Taylor Jr.

With a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Mississippi State University, Carl had a 42 year career with Esso/Exxon from 1948-1990. Carl retired at age 65. He started his employment in Houston then to Hobbs, New Mexico onto Andrews, Midland, and Snyder, Texas, to Los Angeles for 21 years and finally back to Houston until retirement. He was a Design Engineer for oil and gas projects in Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, California and Alaska. While in Houston from 1984-1990, he worked for Exxon Production Research where he evaluated cutting edge technology projects and taught Well Control schools all over the world.

Carl never hesitated to tackle new challenges. From his career with Exxon to auto repairs to building and woodworking projects, he was extremely talented with hands on approach to achieve his dreams and goals. As a father, he made sure his kids received not only his love but also his time to help show them how to grow, accomplish, and nurture maturity for adulthood. Patience was definitely his virtue.

Carl and Genell’s greatest pastime and enjoyment was dancing. From the Waltz to the Foxtrot, Country western to Square dancing, they did it all. They would find events and bands every week. After Genell’s passing, Carl continued to Square dance till he was 91 years old. A broken hip finally limited his ability for his love and pastime.

Carl enjoyed the outdoors and hunting was a part of his life and adventure with trips all over the U.S. His first trips started in West Texas but also included New Mexico, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska’s Prince William Sound area. Carl took Genell on many trips, especially during early marriage years to Texas and Montana. Many good times around the campfires, cold nights, and beautiful scenery.

Carl and Genell traveled extensively for several years, mostly when Carl was teaching Well Control Schools all over the world. Some countries were visited several times, countries visited included Middle East, Turkey, Japan, China, South Korea, Russia, India, Australia, all the European countries, several South American Countries and a few in Africa as well as Alaska and Hawaii. Their experiences and stories about their travels were so enjoyable.

Kindness, courteous and congenial nature describes the best memories of Carl. He was certainly a gentleman’s gentleman. Genell never opened a car door if Carl was around, rain or shine. Genell never had to ask, but Carl always squeezed fresh lemon in her tea. Carl was generally soft spoken and let his actions speak for themselves. He was a strong husband and parent to foster two great kids and he always had a strong presence. If his wife or kids needed a shoulder, a hand, or love he was always there. Everyone always said he did not look 94, he carried his youth well.

Carl is preceded in death by his wife Edrie Genell Bowen Taylor and his parents, Carl is survived by his daughter Connie Taylor Davis; and his son Jefferson Carl Taylor III; his grandchildren Andy Taylor, Sarah Todd, Aaron Taylor and Kendall Hutto. Nine great grandchildren, other family members and a host of friends are also left to treasure his memory.

A gathering for Carl will take place on September 1, 2022, at 9 am in the Cashner’s Colonial Hall with a celebrations of life starting at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in Garden Park Cemetery.