Preston James "Country Pumpkin" Taylor, 68, of Girdletree, died Sunday, April 19, 2009, surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 4, 1941 in Girdletree, a son of the late Thomas Lee and Louise Eva (Ward) Taylor. Preston served in the Maryland National Guard in the early 1960's and was a member of the American Legion Post 67 in Snow Hill. He worked as a truck driver, first for Perdue, then drove a truck for himself for many years. He was proud of the fact that he drove over 1 million miles. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating and cherished memories made with his family at Taylor's Landing boathouse in Girdletree. He was a 45-year member of the Girdletree Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the Worcester County Farm Bureau. He was also a member of the local round table, which met daily at My Sister's Place in Snow Hill. He was especially fond of his beloved dogs, "Jake" and "Buddy". He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Ruth R. (Baker) Taylor; two daughters, Debbie Carter of Delmar and Lisa Fletcher of Berlin; five step daughters, Polly Darby of Snow Hill, Mary Wootten of Snow Hill, Linda Martin of Berlin, Joan Bunting of Snow Hill and Jean Culver of Eden; eight grandchildren, Ashley Fletcher, Mandi Fletcher, Tina Grazulis, Brandy McMillin, Lisa Williams, William Parsons, Adam Parsons and Brian Knapp,; two brothers, Earl Taylor and his wife Sherry of Girdletree and Edward and Linda Taylor of Snow Hill; and a sister, Betty Northan of Pocomoke City. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Girdletree United Methodist Church, where family and friends may call from 1:00 to 2:00. The Reverend Donald Bailey will officiate. Interment will follow at Springhill Cemetery in Girdletree. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802, or to the Worcester County Humane Society, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, MD 21811. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.