Richard "Dick" Frederick Taylor, 95, of Camden, Arkansas, passed away on July 30, 2025, shortly after entering hospice care. He was born on December 12, 1929, in Springfield, Illinois, to Llewellyn Marion Taylor and Lula Colvin Taylor and spent many of his formative years in Springfield. Dick later moved to St. Louis, Missouri with his family where he graduated from Normandy High School in 1947. He earned a degree in Forestry from the University of Missouri, where he participated in ROTC and met the love of his life, Elizabeth "Liz" Ann Paulson. They were married on June 26, 1952, in Bradford, Pennsylvania.

After college, Dick was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served in Korea from 1952 to 1953. He continued his service in the Army Reserves until 1962. Upon returning from Korea, he began a 41-year career with International Paper Company. His work took him and Liz to several Arkansas communities—including Rison, Pine Bluff, Sheridan, and Benton—before settling in Camden in 1969. He retired in 1994 as the Land and Timber Manager for South Arkansas.

A lifelong learner, Dick earned his Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1961. He was an avid reader of non-fiction and an enthusiastic student of history. He was an avid gardener and a certified Master Gardener for over 30 years.

Deeply engaged in civic life, Dick first served as a city councilman in Benton, AR, served as a City Director and Mayor of Camden from 1981 to 1985. He was a long-time member of the Camden Rotary Club, serving a term as president and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship award. Among his recognitions were the Camden Lions Club's W.E. Hussman Civic Service Award and the Benton Chamber of Commerce's Junior Achievement Award. He served on the board of the Camden Country Club and oversaw the approval and construction of the "new" club house as club President.

A devoted member of First United Methodist Church of Camden, Dick lived out his faith through service and stewardship.

Dick's passion for the outdoors shaped both his life and legacy. He was a gifted gardener, known for his work on the gardens at the Camden train depot and First United Methodist Church. He freely shared his love of nature with others. A world traveler and devoted birder, he recorded sightings of 1,321 bird species worldwide. He also enjoyed canoeing—especially Buffalo River trips shared with his sons and family friend Thomas McGill—bridge, tennis, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals. He proudly scored a hole-in-one on Hole #11 at the Camden Country Club.

Dick was a little league coach, a Boy Scout volunteer, and a gentle soul who had a remarkable ability to connect with animals—earning their trust with nothing more than a neck or ear rub.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Elizabeth "Liz" Taylor, and their three sons: Matthew (Debbie) of Orange, TX; Timothy (Briann) of Aledo, TX; and Stuart (Donna) of Austin, TX. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and his sisters, Susan Lynne Taylor Buxton and Rebecca Ann Taylor Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Llewellyn "Bud" Marion Taylor and Carol Louise Taylor Osing, and his brother, John Phillip Taylor.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Amanda "Church Lady" Wunnenberg for helping without hesitation; to Sweet Home Elderly Care and the compassionate support of Mildred Wayne; and to the Wednesday night dinner group at The Postmaster's Grill, whose friendship and encouragement sustained Dick and Liz through many years.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Camden, AR, on Saturday, August 2, at 4:00 PM, followed by a reception in the church's Great Hall.

Dick Taylor brought warmth, humor, and curiosity to every place he went and every life he touched. He lived a life of service, integrity, and joy. His legacy is one of love, community, and a deep connection to the natural world.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick's memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Camden or the National Audubon Society.