Hugh M. “Buck” Taylor Jr., 73, of Vicksburg, died March 3, 2017.

He was born and raised in Senatobia.  He earned his B.S. and M.S. in civil engineering at Mississippi State University. He worked as a research civil engineer in the Geotechnical Laboratory of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineering Research and Development Center in Vicksburg for 33 years.

Buck was a deacon at First Baptist Church Vicksburg serving in a wide variety of roles over his 50 years of membership such as driving the bus on Sunday mornings and many youth trips, teaching Sunday school to preschool and youth, and serving on various committees.

He had a passion for missions, helping with disaster recovery efforts for Hurricane Katrina and numerous tornadoes in Mississippi, going on mission trips to Tanzania and Thailand, and working parking and security for the FBC Vicksburg Medical Dental Clinic.

Buck had a love of the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, and backpacking, especially in Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park.  He served as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 105 in Vicksburg for eight years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sadie (Gordon) Taylor Sinquefield and Hugh M. Taylor Sr.

Survivors include his wife Kathie Linn Taylor of Vicksburg; sons Terry Taylor of Huntsville, Ala., and Steve Taylor of Vicksburg; and his brother, Thomas Taylor (Linda) of Lugoff, S.C.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Monday, March 6, 2017, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church Vicksburg with Dr. Matt Buckles officiating. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service.

Pallbearers will be D.D. Davidson, Robert Peters, Arthur Lagg, Buddy Arnold, Hugh Green, and Bob Welch.  Honorary pallbearers are Paul Miller, Jim Ferguson, FBC active deacons, and members of the Cecil Knox Sunday School Class at FBC.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the FBC Vicksburg Medical Dental Clinic 1607 Cherry St. Vicksburg, Ms. 39180.