Joey Albert Taylor, 78, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on March 29th, 2026. Born on July 28th, 1947 in Clovis, New Mexico, he was the son of Clayton and MaeDell Taylor. Joey attended Friona, Texas public schools through his junior year and graduated high school from Dumas, Texas in 1965. He went on to graduate from Wayland Baptist University. Following his 25-year career with Bridgestone/Firestone, Joey began a second career with Santa Fe Public Schools Special Education department, from which he retired in May 2023. Joey was admired for his kindness, integrity, and steady presence. He loved working with students, volunteering with hospice, and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his husband of 46 years, Jeff Pinkerton of Santa Fe, New Mexico; his son Joe B. and wife Kelly of Amarillo, Texas; his first love and the mother of his children, Marcia Rice of Amarillo, Texas; 4 grandchildren, Emlee of Monterey, California, Michael of Amarillo, Texas, Evelyn of

Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Brandon of Amarillo, Texas; 1 great granddaughter Rowan; 3 brothers, Kirk Taylor of Petersburg, Texas, Trent Taylor and his wife Jamie of White Deer, Texas, Brent Taylor and his wife Kim of Woodward, Oklahoma, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Jeremy Taylor in 2017, his sister Tresa Miller in 2020, and his sister-in-law Diane Taylor in 2025. A celebration of life will be held on April 25th, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Rivera Family Funeral Home Kiva Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico.