JAMES BUFORD TAYLOR
James Buford Taylor, 78, Marietta, Ga., passed away Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, after a three-month battle with COVID-19.
Survivors include: Wife of 23 years, Joyce Kuhn-Taylor; son, Andy Taylor (Denise); daughter, Sandy Annis (Tim); sister, Deidrie Ritts (Jim); eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents, Buford and Ruth Wise Taylor.
Photography was a lifelong passion. A native of Clinton, he owned and operated both Photo Boutique and LaFollette Art Studio, photographing many schools, sports teams, weddings and buildings in the Anderson County area. He contributed photos to newspapers and advertising and photographed for the Y-12 facility. His interest in the history of the people and places of his home area prompted him to contribute many of his photos to websites dedicated to Clinton history. Like his mother, he also enjoyed watercolor painting, and playing the banjo. In his spare time he was a most proficient ballroom dancer and occasionally wrote some poetry. He could build anything he could envision, even a sailboat once!
During the Christmas holiday, his natural white beard made him the perfect Santa. On Christmas cruises he took his Santa suit and truly enjoyed making both children and adults happy. He probably enjoyed these experiences more than the cruisers.
Three-plus years ago, Jim and Joyce became sponsors for the Monday Ballroom Practice at the West Cobb Senior Center. They took over for the couple who started this club almost 25 years ago so that retired seniors could dance and socialize.
For many years he operated a home repair and remodeling company known as Taylor Home Care Services. His work history also included being a surveyor for Georgia Kraft. Because of their love of dancing, Jim and Joyce started a company 20 years ago known as Dance Shoes of Atlanta, selling ballroom dance shoes. They traveled extensively throughout the states attending big band weekends and ballroom dance competitions.
Above all, he enjoyed a good joke and making others laugh.
A Funeral Service was held at noon Friday, Jan. 22, 2021, at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home, Historic Marietta Chapel.
The family received friends at 11:30 a.m. prior to interment at 2 p.m. at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Tucker, Ga.