Joshua “Hoagie” Russell Taylor 1977-2026

Joshua Russell Taylor, 48, of Prague, Okla. passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, March 16. Born on April 8, 1977, Josh was the cherished baby brother of the Taylor family. He grew up in Mineola, where he was a longtime member of New Hope Baptist Church.

To those who knew him best, he was simply “Hoagie.” Josh was a man of many gifts: a beautiful singing voice, a tireless work ethic and a legendary, boisterous laugh that could be heard across the neighborhood. He was described by friends as the “original Jack Black,” quick-witted, “gangsta loyal” and the life of every gathering. Yet, beneath the humor was a man with a massive servant’s heart who would help anyone, at any time, without hesitation. He was a devoted family man whose greatest joy was found in the love he shared with his wife, children and extended family.

Josh is survived by his loving wife, Tamyla Taylor of Prague, Okla.; his two children, Emme and Cecil “Bubba” Taylor of Prague; his sisters, Libby Taylor (Stephen) Horton of Allen, and Christy Taylor Fajerson of Mineola; and his brother, Chad Taylor of Allen.

He also leaves behind a legacy of love with his nieces, Chaney (Josh) Mallory of Richardson and Cavin Taylor of Mineola; his nephews, Chaz (Riley) Fajerson of Richardson and Wesley DeLeon of Allen; his great niece, Camryn Mallory and great nephew, Justin Mallory of Richardson; his uncle, David Ross Binford of Waxahachie; his aunt, Nancy Taylor of Grand Prairie; and many beloved cousins and friends who became family.

Josh was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Lois Taylor; his grandparents, Cecil and Flora Mae Binford, Wesley and Agnes Taylor, and Gladys Richey Binford; his mother-in-law, Margarette Robinson; his aunts, Louetta Thompson, Charlotte Binford, Bettye Taylor, Doreen Jobst and Liz Carlisle Shaver; and his uncles, Wes Taylor, Jim Taylor, Vern Jobst, Kenneth Thompson and James Earnest Binford.

While his loss leaves an emptiness in our hearts that can never be filled, we take comfort in knowing he is reunited with his parents and friends, Chris Weith and Jamie Brumsey, likely raising a little “holy hell” in Heaven with that unmistakable smile.

A memorial service will be held at New Hope Baptist Church in Mineola on Saturday, March 28 at 11 a.m. 

Donations can be made to the Texas Children’s Home: http://buckner.org