Benny Lee Taylor

A family memorial observance for Benny Taylor, 94, of Portales, will be held at the graveside at a later time.

Benny Lee Taylor was born July 22, 1931, in Roswell, New Mexico, to Norma (Davidson) and William F. Taylor, and peacefully passed from this life on the morning of January 10, 2026, in Portales. He has now entered eternal rest, leaving behind a life rich in purpose, devotion, and service.

Mr. Taylor was a 1949 graduate of Roswell High School, where he played football and developed the discipline and determination that would guide him throughout his life. In 1951, he was named Golden Gloves Champion boxer. Following high school, he moved to Portales to attend Eastern New Mexico University on a football scholarship. In 1955, he was honored as the Greatest Greyhound, and in addition to football, he also participated in the rodeo program as a bull rider.

On June 3, 1955, Benny was united in marriage to Adrienne Joyce Turner, beginning a loving partnership that would span more than 70 years. Their marriage stood as a testament to faith, commitment, and enduring love. Mr. Taylor served faithfully in the New Mexico National Guard for 19 years while also working for Mountain Bell Telephone as an installer. Throughout their years together, Benny and Adrienne made their home in Portales, Clovis, Alamogordo, Albuquerque, and Roswell, following his career and embracing each new chapter with strength and grace.

During his later professional years, Mr. Taylor played a role in helping implement the 911 emergency system, contributing to the safety and well-being of countless others. He continued working through the company’s various name changes and retired as an Office Manager in 1986.

In the early 1980s, the family returned to Portales to help assume responsibility for the family farming and livestock operation following the passing of his father-in-law, Adron Turner. In retirement, Benny continued contract work for AT&T for several years before fully devoting himself to farming and raising American Quarter Horses—work he approached with care, patience, and gratitude for God’s creation. He and his wife also cherished time spent traveling to visit family, valuing fellowship and togetherness above all else.

Benny’s life was marked by quiet strength, humility, and love for family. Those who knew him will remember his steady presence, generous spirit, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the generations he helped shape.

He is survived by Adrienne, his wife of more than 70 years; a son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Sara Taylor of Forney, Texas; a daughter, Karan Cuomo of Terrell, Texas; four grandchildren, Brandon Taylor and wife Katie, Stephen Cuomo, Erin Burton and husband Harrison, and Douglas Cuomo; seven great-grandchildren, Lily Cuomo, Hazen Burton, Violet Burton, A’lainn Taylor, Reiley Taylor, Ariel Taylor, and Daphne Taylor; and two brothers, Lloyd Taylor of Bryan, Texas, and Clarence Taylor of Aurora, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Lawrence Taylor; a sister, Alice Dick; and a great-grandchild, Angel Taylor.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Benny Lee Taylor, please visit our floral store.