Rev. Thomas Arthur Taylor

THOMAS ARTHUR TAYLOR JR.was born on March 10 1955 in Tulare, California. He was the eldest of three sons born to loving parents, Thomas Arthur Taylor Sr. and Clarice Hamlin Taylor.  Shortly after his birth, the family moved to San Diego, California, where he received his formal education through the San Diego Unified School District. He attended Robert E. Lee and Central Elementary, Bell Jr. High and graduated from Morse High School in 1973. While in high school, Thomas developed a love for the sport of basketball and remained an advid fan throughout his life.

In 1974, Thomas enlisted into the United States Army National Guard, where he served proudly until his service was medically interrupted .

After receiving his Honorable Discharge,Thomas worked numerous jobs, including at Huffman’s BBQ. During the early 1980s, He began employment with the San Diego Unified School District in Food Service. Due to health issues, Thomas was forced into early retirement. 

Thomas was baptized and accetped Christ at an early age. He always had a very close relationship with the Lord. He continued his education by attending National University, where he majored in business and later elected to take theology classes. There were two things in life that Thomas loved to do; Preach the Gospel and singing praises uno the Lord. His Aunt Elma Jean Coffee taught him at an early how to sing, harmonize and find the right key. The first song she taught him was “Jesus Be a Fence Around Me”.

In 1989, Thomas was ordained into the ministry by his mentor, Pastor William R.Charles whom he dearly loved. He served as interim pastor for New Horizon MBC for two years, and later became pastor of New Jerusalem Community Church. In 2012, he united with Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. John W. Ringgold. There he served as an Evangelist, was a memober of the United Choir, Male Chorus, Blessed Ensemble, Cellies for Christ Ministries, and President of Word Warriors.

In 2012, Evangelist Taylor united in marriage with Hazel Bagby. They did everything together, including serving God.

He was preceded in death, by his parents, his brothers, Rodney and Brian Taylor; his uncle and aunt, Johnny and Elma Jean Coffee.

On Saturday, August 25, 2018, Evangelist Thomas Arthur Taylor Jr. was called from earthly labor to receive his heavenly reward. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devotd wife, Hazel; one daughter, Latasha Taylor; three sons, Maurice, Doryan and Damitrius Taylor; stepmother, Glenda Taylor; two stepdaughters, Ashley McCullough and Latoya Harris (Melvin); stepson, Anthony Brittingham (Neshia); his aunt, Esther White; grandchildren: Chivic, Celeste, Kiaria, Shakira, Anthony Jr., Nehemiah, Dwayne, Arianna and Amir and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends (far to many to name), including his Bethel Baptist Church Family.

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