Raymond Taylor

Raymond Taylor, 95, of Chattanooga, passed on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014, at his residence. An educator for over 35 years, Raymond was a former principal and coach in Dayton, Tenn., and a teacher with the Chattanooga Public Schools; past President of the East Tennessee Teachers Association; a World War II veteran (U.S. Army); a charter member of the Epsilon Xi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity; an avid bowler and longtime, faithful member of Phillips Temple C.M.E. church Raymond leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife of 68 years, Zepheree; his dedicated daughter, Deartra Taylor Maxwell; siblings, Joe (Avie) Taylor and Willette Perry, of Brownsville, Tenn., and Geneva Bledsoe, of McKenzie, Tenn.; a devoted sister-in-law, ELois Waller, of Washington, DC; granddaughter, Pier Maxwell-Watt, of Poughquag, N.Y.; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; like-a-Grandpa to Denesia, Johanna and Nicolette. Raymond was beloved by many lifelong friends, students, and special extended family members in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as well. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Phi Beta Sigma Scholarship Fund (P.O. Box 25163, Chattanooga, TN 37422), and/or Phillips Temple Building Fund (1321 N. Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411). Funeral services will be at noon Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, at Phillips Temple C. M. E. Church. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m-noon Monday. Burial will be in the Chattanooga National Cemetery immediately following the service. The body will lie in state today, beginning at noon at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.