Thomas (“Tommy”) Joseph Taylor 61, of Abilene, Texas passed away June 18, 2014. Visitation will be from 2:00 ~ 4:00 p.m. Sunday in North's Memorial Chapel, 242 Orange St. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday June 23, 2014 at the Heavenly Rest Episcopal Church located at 602 Meander Street Abilene, Texas 79602 with Father Luke Back officiating. A reception will follow at Abilene Country Club located at 4039 South Treadaway Blvd. Abilene, Texas

Mr. Taylor was born March 27, 1953, in Abilene, Texas to Russell and Kathleen (Crowley) Taylor. He graduated from Cooper High School and was also a graduate of The University of Texas in Austin. He lived life to the fullest. He loved the outdoors, spending much of his time hunting, ranching, cowboying, playing polo, flying, and skiing. He was a leader in the oil and gas industry for over thirty-five years, following in his father’s footsteps. He served as Chairman of the Board of Executives for the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers and participated in many industry organizations giving much of his time and effort to promoting a better understanding of the oil and gas industry. Above all else, he took great pride and joy in his four children. He was very loved by his friends and family and will be dearly missed by them all.

He was preceded in death by his sister Eileen Taylor Massey, one brother, Patrick Russell Taylor and his Mother Kathleen Crowley Taylor.

He is survived by his Father Russell Taylor and Step-Mother Virginia of Abilene, Texas; his Brother Bill Taylor and wife Jackie of McKinney, Texas and four children Sarah Kate Taylor Jones and husband Zach of Dallas, Texas; Grace Taylor Edsel and husband Philip of Austin, Texa; Thomas Luke Taylor of Lubbock, Texas; Lillyan Eileen Taylor of Houston, Texas and their mother, Stephanye Taylor of Abilene, Texas as well as his long-time companion, Dr. Stefanie McCain of Abilene, Texas, and many friends and family.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Disability Resource Services Inc., P.O. Box 1880 Abilene, Texas 79604.