By By Lydia Grimes – features reporter
Former Escambia County clerk James Daniel Taylor died Wednesday in Birmingham at the age of 83.
Taylor served as the Escambia County Clerk for 24 years.
In 1970, James Taylor defeated County Clerk J.F. (Red) Vickery, who decided to vacate the office before his time was up. Taylor moved into the office.
Taylor had also served 12 years as chief deputy for Escambia County before being elected as county clerk.
Sheriff Grover Smith was not in the sheriff's office while Taylor was deputy, but he did get to know him very well in later years.
Taylor is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mildred Elliott Taylor of Brewton; two sons, Brent A. Taylor, and James D. (Fran) Taylor Jr., both of Brewton; a daughter, Becky Taylor (Keith) York of Auburn; two grandchildren, Ali Taylor and Luke York; and one step-grandchild, Caleb Kent.
Funeral services were held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Brewton First United Methodist Church with Dr. Ed Glaize and the Rev. Thomas Earl Elliott officiating. Burial followed at Bradley Church Cemetery with Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing.