Calvin Taylor Sr.

Calvin Lee T aylor, Sr., lovingly known as “PopSkeeter,” was born on October 19, 1947, to Lacy Withers and Walter Poe. He was the eighth of ten children and grew up surrounded by family, laughter, and strong roots. Calvin graduated from Sweet Home High School in 1966 and continued his education at Arkansas Baptist College. In 1967, he was drafted into the United States Army and honorably discharged in 1969, having faithfully served his country. In 1972, while walking the country roads of Woodson with the backs of his shoes bent down and one pant leg pulled up, Calvin met the love of his life, Maggie Ann Arthur. Maggie had a beautiful two-year-old daughter, his “Angie baby,”whom he embraced and raised as his own. Soon after, Calvin and Maggie were united in marriage and built a loving home together, welcoming three children and creating a legacy grounded in love and devotion. Calvin retired from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in 2015, returned for four additional years of service, and officially retired in 2020. He enjoyed pitching horseshoes, playing baseball, grilling, scrap work, raising hogs and chickens, trying his luck from time to time, and most of all, spending time with his family. His laughter, stories, and steady presence filled every room he entered. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved daughter, Yolanda Michelle Taylor; sisters Fannie Thigpen, Ernestine Ruffin, and Carolyn “BunnyRabbit” Williams; and brothers John “Tadpole” Taylor and Joseph Taylor, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 53 years, Maggie Taylor; son Calvin (Robin) Taylor Jr. of Woodson, AR; daughters Angela Taylor of Mesquite, TX, and Latryce “Pooh Taylor” Long of Woodson, AR; honorary son and close friend Curtis (Cheryl) Carroll of Little Rock, AR; seven grandchildren: Herbert Madison,Timothy Taylor, Timara Taylor, Armani “Delmoney” Edwards, Datrevian Long, Emma Taylor, and Calvin “Skeeterman/C-3” Taylor; and three great-grandchildren: Zakai Zabala, Zuri Zabala, and Josiah Tadesse. He also leaves sisters Annie “Gookie” (Leonard, Sr.) King of Woodson, Essie Wade of Woodson, Jeanette “Jenny-Darling” (Danny) Carter Sr. of Little Rock, AR, and Gearldine “Mattlee” Bennett of Southfield, Michigan, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved him dearly.

Calvin Taylor Sr.

October 19, 1947 - February 18, 2026