Gratton Jackson Taliaferro
Gratton Jackson Taliaferro, 92, died May 14, 2012. He was born at the Rollie G. White Ranch in Lightner, McCulloch County on Aug. 8, 1919. He grew up in McCulloch County learning to ranch, ride horses and tend livestock at an early age.
In his teenage years he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps to help build parks and was stationed in Arizona. He joined the Army’s cavalry in 1941 and was assigned to work with new mounts. As the army transitioned from horses, he volunteered for the Tank Destroyer Corps. He was involved in the invasion of France on D-Day and participated in five major campaigns, culminating at Berlin. Just before joining the Army, he met his future wife Emma Lee. They married on Feb. 3, 1943. Upon returning home from the war, he worked as a grocery clerk in Brady. In 1951 he moved his family to Mason and opened his own grocery store.
During his time in Mason, he was involved in many business ventures, never forgetting his true passion — ranching. In the early 1970s he was offered the opportunity of his life. He and his wife moved to Marfa, where he became the foreman of a large cattle ranch. He enjoyed ranching there for 20 years before moving back to the Hill County to be near his children. He lived in Marble Falls.
He continued to involve himself in small ranching ventures. In 2001 he fully retired and moved to Highland Haven, where he enjoyed visiting with his children, family and friends.
After his wife died, he lived alone until moving in February to the Isle at Cedar Ridge, an assisted-living facility in Cedar Park.
Survivors include his children Jack Taliaferro and wife Rebecca of Cedar Park, Sue Collier and her husband Stan and Jerry Taliaferro and his wife Glenda, all of Marble Falls; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Pearl Taliaferro; sister Norma Belle Taliaferro; and his wife in September 2011.
A graveside service was May 17 at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park with Greg Neill officiating.
Memorials can be made to diabetes or kidney foundations. Condolences may be offered at www.clementswilcoxfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281 North in Marble Falls, (830) 693-4373.