Raymond "Ray" C. Taylor

Raymond “Ray” Charles Taylor, 85, of Lake Hallie, passed away peacefully at his home under hospice care on August 24th, 2024, after a long battle with lung cancer.  He was born June 3, 1939 and raised in the Town of Union by Mayson and Lily (Van Dalsem) Taylor.  He graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1955.

Ray worked many years for the Horel-George Co. in Eau Claire and was a long-time member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Union.   He enlisted in the Army National Guard at the age of 18 and transitioned to full-time active duty with the HHC 264th Engineer Group to serve his country that he so deeply loved, with ingenuity and resolve.  He retired as a decorated Command Sergeant Major in 1999.

In his early years Ray enjoyed traveling the Mississippi River and spending time at Lake Wissota on his boats.  Later in life his favorite past-time transitioned to having family and friends over for pool parties – no one was ever a stranger.  With an outgoing personality and an infectious smile, he was always the first to step forward, help those in need, and to welcome everyone.  Ray lived his life and instilled into others the motto of his military unit “Forward with Valor.”

He is survived by his sons Terry Taylor of Boiling Springs, SC; Rickey Taylor of Jackson, WI; Mark Taylor of Milwaukee, WI; stepdaughters Wendy (Dale) Clark of Eau Claire, WI; Jolenne Girard of Osseo, WI; grandchildren Teddi (Ryan) Mitchell; Amy Baranowski; Blake Taylor; Marissa Taylor; Danielle (Jacob) Moore; Heather Larscheid, Jordan (Lindsey) Clark; Jordan Girard; Blayne Girard; ten great-grandchildren; siblings Betty Rossiter; Margaret Williams; Dodi Taylor (Mike McMeans); and many nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his loving wife, MaryJo; daughter, JoyAnn Baranowski; stepson Death Heath; and brother Clyde Taylor.

Inurnment will take place at the Columbarium in the Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 2 pm.  A private gathering will be held after the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred. 

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

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