Randall ‘Randy’ Lee Taylor, 70, of Knights Ferry died peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 18 after a long battle with cancer at Alexander Cohen Hospice House.

He was born in Oakdale to Lloyd and Helen Taylor. He attended Oakdale High School, served his country in the United States Army, attended Pepperdine University, and graduated from Stanislaus State University.

Mr. Taylor worked with the Operating Engineers for 20 years as a surveyor until he purchased the family business, W.B. Taylor and Sons in 1978, which he still owned. After turning over daily operations to Eric Ender, he put his energy into planting and maintaining a walnut orchard at his home in Knights Ferry.

He enjoyed his grandchildren and all their sports activities. He also enjoyed fishing, traveling, and music. He was very dedicated to his Lord Jesus Christ and attended The Church of Christ in Oakdale.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Gail Taylor (Milam) of Knights Ferry; children, Nicole L. (Oscar) Pena and Amanda R. (Mario) Sousa, all of Oakdale; brother, Richard Taylor of Manteca; and grandchildren, Rylie, Alex, and Owen Pena, Braden and Wyatt Sousa.

Graveside services were held Aug. 24 at Knights Ferry Cemetery.

Remembrances can be made to the City of Children, P.O. Box 530130, San Diego 92153-0130; or to Community Hospice 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356.

Oakdale-Riverbank Memorial Chapels in charge of arrangements.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Aug. 26, 2009