On Sunday, May 11th, Rickie “Ty” Taylor passed away unexpectedly in his sleep. Ty was born in Millstadt, Illinois on November 23rd, 1956, to the late Virgil Taylor and Judith Ann Taylor, as well as his surviving Aunt, Vicki Brumitt, of Fairview, Illinois.
Ty is also survived by his wife, Jeanne Joy, of 33 years, son Tyler, and wife Martha, as well as daughter Katy, and her husband Jonathan; his grandchildren, Maggie and Tucker, to whom he was known as their, “Cowboy Papa”.
Besides being a real-life Cowboy, Ty was a professional auctioneer, and country music artist, singer/songwriter, and producer.
He enjoyed being at home on the ranch, where one could find him doing anything from fixing fence, to breaking a colt or training a stock-dog.
Country music was a part of his roots – as Ty put it, “Country music is all about real life, about real people. It’s about real situations, it’s part of our heritage, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Ty began his musical education by listening to the radio, and playing the songs he heard on his guitar. This helped develop his highly acclaimed ear for music, which was a God-given gift, handed down through his mother.
Ty toured throughout the country from coast to coast. Quickly gaining national acclaim for his extraordinary vocals, backed by the superb musicianship and vitality of his band. Ty’s strong vocals backed by some of Nashville’s finest vocal session players put the country back into country music in his album, Take Me As I Am.
For part of his career, he performed as a George Strait tribute artist, with the trademark Texas sounds, and the same classic voice and style of delivery. In 1995 he was dubbed, “The Number One” George Strait Tribute Artist in the country.
He performed at the well-known Fan Fair and “Live at Riverfront” with over 50,000 fans in Nashville Tennessee, The Grand Ole Opry, and many other places.
Throughout his career as an entertainer, he opened for name acts such as Chris LeDoux, Mark Chesnutt, Diamond Rio, Joe Nichols, Clay Walker, Charlie Daniels, Tanya Tucker, Tim McGraw, Billy Ray Cyrus, just to name a few.
He spent a year and a half singing background vocals for the First Lady of country music…none other than, Ms. Loretta Lynn. He has performed with country superstars such as Johnny Lee, Vern Gosdin, Tammy Wynette, Crystal Gayle and Atlantic recording artist, Doug Stone, who said about Ty, “A great singer and a great entertainer…a very funny guy!”
With a larger-than-life personality, he would light up a room with his presence. His smile and laugh were infectious. He was a stranger to no one and always left people laughing with the stories he told.
He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and a good campfire, whether he was at home, or at deer camp with his friends.
His family and friends will forever cherish his infinite kindness, quick wit, and generous spirit, which touched everyone he met.
He had a deep love for his family, music, and Cowboy way of life, but above all else, he loved God and was unafraid to share his faith with others.
He will be dearly missed by so many, and his memory will live on with all of us. The Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Love-Cantrell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
