Harold Dean "Jody" Taylor

B: August 4, 1935
D: November 21st, 2009

©Submitted by: Jo Aguirre
Photo by: Phil and Donna (Stricklan) Whitaker
Headstone photo: Rickey Colwell
©Wilson-Little Funeral Home

Harold Dean "Jody" Taylor age 74 of Lexington passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, November 21st, 2009. He was the only child born to Ray and Dorine Taylor on August 4, 1935.

Jody graduated from Lexington High in 1953, and later attended the University of Oklahoma. During and after his college years, he served 6 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Jody was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Lexington First Baptist Church.

In 1954, Jody and friend, Jude Northcutt, began a music duo known as "Jude 'n' Jody." The two were pioneers of country music in Oklahoma. Their partnership grew and later they began Jude 'n' Jody Furniture in OKC with the slogan "We Love Folks." They continued their musical careers with "The Jude 'n' Jody Show" which became the longest running country and western variety show on television.

Jody's dream was to be a cattle rancher and in 1968 began the Double J Ranch in Tribbey, OK. Both businesses are still operating to this day; the two's partnership has endured nearly 60 years.

Jody had a love for adventure. At age 16 he earned his pilot's license and over the years attained his twin and instrument ratings. His real passion was hunting, traveling both here and abroad, including two African safaris where he earned the African Big Five award; he was a lifelong member of Safari Club International.Jody was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and will be truly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Joel Dean, and a daughter, Sherry Renee.

Jody is survived by his wife, Janet of the home, one son and daughter-in-law, Randy -- Patty Taylor of Norman, a daughter and son-in-law, Roma -- Jim Daniel of Nashville, TN, four stepdaughters and spouses, Jamie -- Ed Pogue, Carla Parks, Johnnie -- Butch Welch, and Donna -- Mike Robbins, Jr., five grandchildren, Justin Smith and wife, Melynda, Brandon Northrup and wife, Misty, Ashley Taylor, Brad Taylor and Steven Taylor, twelve step-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one step-great-grandson, and his step-father-in-law, Jimmy Burrell.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Lexington, with interment to follow in Lexington Cemetery under the direction of Wilson-Little Funeral Home Purcell, Ok.

Family will receive visitors between 6 and 8 PM Monday, Nov. 23rd, 2009 at the funeral home.The family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society.Submitted by family