Russell Taylor, 56, (a.k.a. RAT) of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, and formerly of Michigan City, Indiana, departed this life on July, 10, 2017, in Minnesota.

Memorial services will be 11am, Friday, July 21, 2017 at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. James Lane, officiating.

Russell was born to the late Margaret L. Edwards-Taylor and Samuel E. Taylor Sr. on June 2, 1961, in Michigan City, Indiana.

He accepted Christ at an early age. Russell graduated from Rogers High School in 1980 and was a member of the basketball team for four years. Russell was employed with CJ’s Home Products and Long Beach Country Club until his health began to fail. He enjoyed playing basketball, barbecuing and hanging with family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents; George L. and Merlene Edwards,  paternal grandparent; Carlie Hawkins, two sisters; Debra and Linda Taylor, one brother, Samuel E. Taylor Jr.,two great nieces; Pryncess Khalilah Saniah Gross and Jamie Taylor, one great nephew;  James Taylor, one aunt; Virginia Meriweather, four uncles; Marshall Meriweather, Virgil Edwards, Leon Edwards, and Russell Edwards, special sister-in-law Geraldine Taylor.

He leaves to cherish his memories five brothers; L.B. and Larry Taylor of Michigan City, Indiana; Harry Taylor, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota; Terry Taylor of Indianapolis, Indiana; Phillip Taylor of Minneapolis, Minnesota; four sisters, Carolyn Taylor and Beverly Davis of Michigan City, Indiana; Dianne Taylor Rockford Indiana; and Shanta Taylor, Minneapolis Minnesota; one aunt, Earlene Edwards, of Memphis Tennessee; Three uncles, Rubean Edwards of Memphis Tennessee; Ricky and Hollis Edwards of Dallas, Texas; thirty-two nieces and nephews, fifty-six great nieces and nephews, and eleven great- great nieces and nephews, best friends, Gene Ferrell, Edward (Pete) Hervey, Ricky Hervey, Bob Johnson, Joseph Shin, Rick Deckker, Harold Benning, Steven Butler, Tony Davis, James(Coona) Shannon and Richard Garrett, a special niece, Ruth Taylor, who was his keeper and whom he loved dearly, and special great nephew Markice Hurt Jr. A host of relatives and  friends. Russell will be missed dearly down here by all that knew him but to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord for all who believe.