Jimmy Lee Taylor, 93, of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Tahlequah.

© Courtesy of Clifford D. Garrett Family Funeral Homes

Courtesy of Clifford D. Garrett Family Funeral Homes

TAHLEQUAH, OK–MARCH 9, 2026– Jimmy Lee Taylor, 93, of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma was born July 23, 1932, in Fort Gibson to Thomas Cero and Jaynie (Weatherford) Taylor and passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Tahlequah.

He will be remembered as a devoted family man, respected horseman, and a man widely known for the line of beagles he raised. He was a man who loved the western way of life. He spent many years training and racing quarter horses. Jimmy spent countless hours bulldogging, competing in jackpots, and practicing at his arena, a place that became a gathering spot for friends and family alike. On his ranch, he enjoyed buying, selling, and raising all kinds of animals including cows, horses, chickens, sheep, rabbits, and many others.

Jimmy was also an avid hunter and outdoorsman. Raising his JLT Patch Beagles was one of the great passions of his life. Many days were spent rabbit hunting and working dogs with friends. Over the years, he became widely known for the quality of beagles he raised, building a reputation that reached rabbit hunters and dog enthusiasts across the United States. Many people sought him out because of his dogs, and friendships were formed through their shared appreciation for good hounds and good hunting.

Rodeo was another important part of his life. In his younger years, he enjoyed bulldogging. As the years went on, he remained closely connected to the sport, supplying steers for rodeos for many years and hosting bulldogging jackpots and practice at his arena. Few things made him prouder than watching rodeo and cheering on his children, grandchildren, and friends as they competed.

He enjoyed raising chickens, working around his ranch, and hosting what became known among family and friends as “Taylor Tuesday” dinners — evenings filled with laughter, storytelling, and good food. For more than 60 years, the Taylor home was known for hosting dinners where family and friends were always welcome, creating traditions and memories that will live on for generations. He also enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, ice-cold Dr. Pepper, fresh watermelon, and watching his favorite shows, General Hospital and One Life to Live.

Jimmy lived a long, full life surrounded by family, friends, and the land that he loved. His legacy lives on through the family he loved so dearly and through the many hunters and friends across the country who will always remember his JLT Patch Beagles and the man behind them.

Jimmy attended Community Gospel Center until his health failed him but remained close to his church family throughout the remainder of his life.

Above all else, Jimmy loved his family. His home was always open, his table always had room for one more, and his life was a testament to the value of hard work, loyalty, and love for those closest to him. His memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Taylor of the home; daughter, Susan Eller and husband Robert of Muskogee; son, Jimmy Taylor and wife Dianne of Adair; daughter, Tammy Brown and husband Mike of Fort Gibson; and son, Raymond Taylor and wife Brenda of Fort Gibson; bonus children, Gary Psomas of Muskogee, Clay Psomas of Tulsa, Peter Psomas and wife Sandy of Fort Gibson, and Sheri Glasgow of Muskogee; grandchildren; Brandi Adair and husband Michael of Fort Gibson, Dustin Brown of Meeker, Ryan Strunk and husband Tyler of Muskogee, Jeff Taylor and wife Charity of Tahlequah, Cash Taylor and wife Misty of Greenwood, AR, Jessica White and husband Brady of Fort Gibson, Jaycie Taylor of Catoosa, Cliff Psomas and wife Kristin of Fort Gibson, Jon Psomas and wife Desiree of Greeley, CO, Abby Acker and husband Austin of Dallas, TX, and Rachel Psomas of Fort Gibson.

He was also blessed with 20 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Cero and Jaynie Taylor; his late wife and the mother of his children, Mary Ellen Taylor; his brothers, Calvin Taylor and Teddy Taylor; and his son-in-law, Jack Johnson.

The family would like to extend a thank you to his special caregiver, Tammy Bias.

A visitation was held 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson.

A Celebration of Jimmy’s life was held 11:00 AM, Monday, March 9, 2026, at Community Gospel Center in Fort Gibson with Pastor Rob Pierce and Pastor John Overton officiating. Committal prayers and interment will follow at Holland Cemetery in Tahlequah, Oklahoma with Dustin Brown, Jeff Taylor, Cash Taylor, Gatlin Brown, Michael Adair, Simeon Adair, Dax Brown, Wyatt Strunk, Zane Strunk, Bodey White and Mason Adair serving as casket bearers.

The family of Jimmy Lee Taylor has entrusted his care, service, and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson.

Online condolences may be left for the family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jimmy Lee Taylor please visit our Sympathy Store.

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