Photo by Bill Patterson

Roger F. Taylor was born in Stuttgart, Arkansas and graduated from North Little Rock High School. He enlisted in the Arkansas Air National Guard in 1953 and rose through the enlisted ranks, was commissioned a First Lieutenant in the 123^rd Reconnaissance Technical Squadron in 1971, he served as Commander and retired in 1995, as a Colonel having served over 41 years. Among his awards and medals, he holds the distinction of being the first Air National Guardsman in the United States to be awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for cost-saving modifications he made to the RB-57 reconnaissance aircraft. 

Roger began work at the Arkansas highway Department in 1966 and he founded the Aerial Photography and Photogrammetry Division. He left this position in 1980 to join his brother and a friend in RT Electrical Sales. Retiring in 1995. 

He loved the outdoors, enjoying fishing, hiking, camping and canoeing. His lifelong passion for photography took him all over Arkansas and many scenic areas of the country. When he was sent to photography school in Colorado with the Air Guard, his love of the West began and he made many trips there to photograph his favorite areas. When he was at home, you would find him almost daily out with his cameras. He loved sharing his skills and learning from others.

Roger and his first wife had two children and after her passing, he married Kay and gained four more. He was grandfather to three and great grandfather to three. He also loved taking family photos.