Taylor Joe Ray

Taylor Joe Ray passed away peacefully on Monday June 15, 2026, in Montrose, Co, surrounded by his loved ones.

Taylor was born on July 5, 1959, in Delta Colorado to Emory and Carol Ray. Taylor spent his childhood living in Big Cimmaron and later moved to Little Cimmaron in 1971. Taylor was a third generation sawmiller and at age 10 he began working for the family business by feeding logs to the sawmill from a pond. This early responsibility instilled in him a strong work ethic which he carried with him throughout his life.

Taylor attended Montrose High School where he excelled in basketball. He graduated from MHS in 1977.

On February 24, 1979, Taylor married Cathy Trujillo in Montrose Colorado, and they welcomed three sons, Travis, Tyler, and Taylor “Cole”.

In 1985 Taylor and his brother, Jim, took over the family sawmill. Taylor was the main log hauler for the company, and he loved to spend time in the logwoods. He and his brother ran the company successfully for 30 years.

Taylor is survived by sons; Travis (Norma) Ray, Tyler Ray, Cole (Elizabeth) Ray; grandchildren, Kirra, Jada, and Maya Ray, Samantha Ray, and Parker Ray; great grandchild Amara Ray; siblings, Jim (Sue) Ray and Sheila Menzel.

Taylor was preceded in death by his parents, Emory and Carol (Shelly) Ray.

A funeral service in honor of Taylor’s life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, 2:00pm at Grace Baptist Church, 1020 S. 5th St. Montrose, CO. Interment will follow at Grand View Cemetery, Montrose, CO.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Grace Baptist Church.