Benny Taylor, Sr.

Benjamin Irving Taylor, 82, of West Point, Mississippi, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Known to many as Benny, and lovingly called Daddy, Papaw, and Papa by those closest to him, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Benny was born on September 3, 1944, in West Point, Mississippi, to Willie Thomas Taylor and Cora Zimmer Taylor. A proud German man with a strong work ethic and a no-nonsense nature, Benny believed in working hard, standing firm, and taking care of the people he loved. Above all else, his mission in life was to provide for his family. He may not have always been a man of many words when it came to showing affection, but his love was evident in everything he did.

Benny graduated from West Point High School with the Class of 1962 and went on to attend Mississippi State University. In 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Gregg Taylor, beginning a marriage and partnership that would span more than six decades.

Benny dedicated 34 years of his working life to Bryan Foods. He began folding boxes for Fox Haas while working his way through college, eventually advancing to beef production and later serving as superintendent of pork production until the plant closed. He took great pride in his years with the company and loved sharing the many stories and memories he made along the way. After retiring from Bryan Foods, Benny earned his real estate license and joined his wife at Century 21, continuing his hardworking spirit into a new chapter of life.

Though Benny was a private man in many ways, his love for his family was never in question. His two sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were among his greatest joys. He took pride in his family and in knowing he had done his best to provide for them. He and Barbara shared a love of traveling, taking countless trips throughout the United States, both on their own and with friends. They especially enjoyed cruising, completing their 11th cruise together and checking destinations such as Belize and the Panama Canal off Benny's bucket list. These adventures were another part of the life they built together, filled with memories, experiences, and stories to share.

Benny was taught to hunt by his mother, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. He became an avid hunter and collector, forming lasting friendships through his years as a member of a hunting club. In the early years of his marriage, he hunted mink and sold the hides to earn extra money, always finding a way to provide a little more for his family. Hunting was more than a pastime; it was a part of who he was and a connection to the outdoors that he treasured.

When he wasn't hunting, Benny could often be found watching old Westerns or enjoying one of the Luke Short Western novels he collected for many years. He was a devoted football fan who rarely missed a Mississippi State game, cheered for the Dallas Cowboys, and even attended New Orleans Saints games. In his later years, he discovered a love for carving walking sticks, which he thoughtfully gifted to family and friends. These handmade gifts became another way for Benny to share a piece of himself with the people he cared about.

Benny was a member of First Christian Church and later occasionally attended First Baptist Church.

For the last four years of his life, Benny endured severe illness with a quiet resilience that reflected the man he had always been. When asked how he was doing, no matter what he was facing, his familiar response was, "I'm making it." He never wanted a fuss made over him and faced his challenges with humility and determination. Those who knew him will remember that simple answer as a fitting reflection of his character: he kept going, did what needed to be done, and never asked for more attention than he felt he needed.

Benny's life was defined not by grand gestures or fancy words, but by the years he worked, the family he loved, the friendships he made, and the life he built with his wife. He was a man who believed in providing, persevering, and doing his part. His legacy lives on in the generations who carry his name, his stories, his strength, and the memories they will cherish for years to come.

Benny was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Thomas Taylor sr. and Cora Zimmer Taylor; his brother, Willie Thomas Taylor Jr.; and his sisters, Lois Taylor Elliot and Betty Taylor Generaux.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 P.M. at Calvert Funeral Home in West Point. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 P.M. from Calvert Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend John Oliver officiating. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Gregg Taylor: his two sons, Wesley Alan Taylor and Benjamin Irving Taylor Jr.: his grandchildren, Alana Taylor Brown, Jessica Taylor, Gregg Taylor (Maggie), Amanda Taylor, Benjamin Taylor, and Chelsea Taylor Swanson (Adam): his great-grandchildren, Patrick Oliver, Matthew Oliver, Taylor Oliver, Bailey Brown, Avery Taylor, Bryan Taylor, Rebecca Taylor, and Benjamin Swanson: Two sisters, Peggy Taylor Griffin and Ruth Taylor Fowler and Brother in law, Chet Gregg (Kay).

Though Benny may have simply said he was "making it," he did so much more than that. He built a life, provided for those he loved, created lasting memories, and left behind a family who will forever be grateful to call him husband, Daddy, Papaw, and Papa.

Honorary pallbearers will be Patrick Oliver, Matthew Oliver, Taylor Oliver, Zach Gregg, Bill Bryan, John Tarwacki, Steve McFarland, Ken McFarland, Dr. Ned Miller, and Bruff Sanders.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or to West Point/Clay County Animal Shelter, 5122 Old Tibbee Road, West Point, Mississippi 39773.

Friends may leave an online condolence at www.calvertfuneralhome.com