Burlie Wayne Taylor, Sr., age 90, of Lampasas, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026.

Burlie was born on October 7, 1935, in Slaton, Texas, to Burlie Franklin Taylor and Lula Lee Taylor, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Jack Taylor, and by his beloved wife of 66 years, Geraldine Ramsey Taylor.

Burlie graduated from Morton High School in 1952 and went on to earn his Accounting degree from Texas Tech University in 1959. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1954 – 1956. Burlie was honorably discharged, but not before receiving a National Defense Service Medal for his service during the time of the Korean War.

On August 6, 1956, he married the love of his life, Geraldine Ramsey, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in faith and devotion.

He began his professional career in accounting before answering a higher calling to ministry. He completed seminary studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and went on to faithfully serve as a Southern Baptist Minister for 36 years. He pastored New Hope Baptist Church in Boyd Texas, First Baptist Church Castlehill (Interim) in Azle Texas, Valley Grove Church in Tuscumbia, Alabama; First Baptist Church in Town Creek, Alabama; First Baptist Church in Cross Plains, Texas; First Baptist Church in Lampasas, Texas; and First Baptist Church in Pearsall, Texas. He also served as an Executive Board member for the Baptist General Convention of Texas and numerous committees and boards of the Southern Baptist Convention in both Texas and Alabama. Through his ministry, he touched countless lives with his compassion, wisdom, and unwavering faith.

After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry in 2001, Burlie and Jerri made their home in Cross Plains, Texas. He continued to serve faithfully as a visiting and interim pastor at Glen Cove Baptist Church in Glen Cove, Texas. A lifelong learner, he returned to college during his retirement to pursue studies in Criminal Justice, ultimately serving his community as a Justice of the Peace in Cross Plains, Callahan County, Texas. During his retirement, Burlie also ministered to many within the prison system, assisting individuals in preparing for their GEDs and offering encouragement and guidance to those seeking a better path.

Burlie will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his commitment to serving others, and his deep love for his family. His life was a testament to devotion, humility, and grace.

Burlie is survived by his sister, Louise Hancock of Farwell, Texas. He is also survived by his children: William Ramsey Taylor of Nashville, Tennessee; Burlie Wayne Taylor, Jr. of Lawrenceville, Georgia; Celeste Adell Johnson of Lampasas, Texas; and Stephanie Lee Taylor of Lampasas, Texas.

He is further survived by his cherished grandchildren: Burlie Wayne Taylor III (Trae) and Katie Taylor of Napa, California; Jackson and Alexa Taylor of Atlanta, Georgia; and Michael and Sloane Cornish of Lampasas, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church of Cross Plains.