Russell Mark Taylor, 80, was called home to be with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. By his side at home were his loving wife and daughter.

Russell was born in Bloomington, Illinois, on June 4, 1940, to Hugh Wilmette Taylor and Margie Constance Bullock. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and cat rescuer. He is survived by his loving wife of 56+ years, Gloria Lessner Taylor, daughter Jill Autumn Costa, adoring cats, granddaughter Erin Taylor Tonsi and her husband Dillon Tanner Tonsi, and his extended family brother Daniel Adrian and wife Priscilla Magness Taylor and sister Patricia Ann Taylor along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Following high school, Russell went to work in the banking industry. After a few years, he made a career change and entered the insurance field, spanning the next 60+ years.  He served as an underwriter, an educator, an insurance agent, and a consultant during his distinguished career, authoring countless publications on numerous insurance-related topics. His experience and outstanding reputation are the results of decades in the insurance and risk management profession. He worked for The Hartford, Houstoun, Stevenson & Cummings, Jardine-Emmett & Chandler, and ANCO - The Anderson Company before leaving to open his risk management and insurance consultancy, Risk Management Tactix, in 1991.

Russell served as President and a director of the Independent Insurance Agents of Houston and as a director for the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas. In addition, he was a member and chairman of various state and local association committees, was a member and served as a Chairman of the Insurance Placement Board of Houston, and was a member, officer, and director of the American Association of Insurance Management, and the Professional Risk Managers' International Association. He received countless awards such as the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas Outstanding Chairman Award and Awas awarded the Outstanding Service Award for his professional contributions to the insurance industry and service to the association.

Russell's passion and energy for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was, above all, the compelling force in his life. The second was his love for his family, and the third was his zeal and enthusiasm for insurance. He never met a stranger; friends and professional colleagues far and wide were a significant part of who he was here on earth. He was always there with a kind smile, words of wisdom and encouragement, a biblical reference, or any needed help. Russell was an intelligent, ever-patient, passionate, and generous man that radiated God's light in all that he did. Those who knew him respected and loved him deeply.

Those that genuinely knew Russell also knew that his life was not an easy one. Yet, he overcame numerous childhood adversities and adult afflictions which only brought him closer to God and led to his dedication, ministry, and service as a church elder for the Lord. In his own words, he said, "I have indeed had a fulfilling life and a rewarding career in insurance. What a great life it's been!"

Russell will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues. He leaves a legacy of beautiful memories to be cherished always. A celebration of life honoring Russell will be held on Saturday, June 5 ^th , 2021 at 1:00pm. The event and follow-on reception will be at the Woodlands Bible Church located at 995 Pinyon Pine Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381.

Let us all come together and commemorate the life of this unforgettable and marvelous man. But please leave any sadness at the door. Instead, bring your stories, laughs, and happiness to help us echo Russell's positive presence in a life lived to the fullest. We also invite everyone to join us in enjoying his favorite snacks and refreshments at a reception following the celebration.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests, with gratitude, that memorial contributions be directed in Russell's name to one of his favorite Christian organizations, Harbor Christian Academy. Donations can be made directly through the HCA website at www.harborchristianacademy.org . Please indicate that your gift is in honor of Russell M. Taylor.

For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord.

So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.

Romans 14:8