M.E. (Jimmy) Taylor age 79, a retired commercial contractor and resident of Belton and formerly of Salado, passed away on March 18, 2020 at Baylor Scott and White Hospital.

Taylor was born on August 18, 1940 to Mattie Marie and Edgar Marion Taylor in Sherman, TX.  He was raised in Whitewright, TX and at the age of 18 enlisted in the Army. In 1962 he met and married the love of his life Betty Jean Ward.  At that time, he began his career as an entrepreneur in construction founding Ace, Inc. and Drywall Systems, Inc. with Betty as his bookkeeper. He retired in 1992 from the corporations he founded but continued on as a rancher, builder, and most importantly family patriarch. The companies he founded continue on today based on the foundations he established.

He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Lodge #166; a lifelong member of the Temple Elks Lodge, VFW 4008, and Mill Creek Golf and Country Club. 

Taylor is survived by his sister Gladys Jones of Sherman, TX; two brothers James Taylor of Killeen and Billy Don Taylor of Arlington, TX; three daughters, Vickie Lynn Kusch and husband Kim of Mukwonago, WI; Cynthia Marie Clayton and husband Gary of Dublin, TX; Sandra Nell Jones and husband Bobby of Lampasas. Also  seven grandchildren: Kaci Quarles and husband Garret of Salado, Brooke Reich and husband Josh of Arvada, CO; Matthew Fritsch and wife Kelli of Belton, Candace Clayton of College Station,  Taylor Clayton of Houston,  Nicole Streit and husband Dan of Mukwonago, WI and Krystle Stagman, of Mukwonago, WI.  He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Betty Jean Taylor and parents Mattie and Edgar Taylor.

A private funeral was held under arrangement of Dossman Funeral Home in Belton.

In Lieu of Flowers, make donations to Saint Jude’s, Pidcoke Baptist Church, or Lingleville Baptist Church.