Kennard Ray Traylor was born on August 11, 1955 in Jamestown, Texas to Raymond Traylor, Sr. (deceased) and Annie May Traylor. He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Patricia Traylor and Dale Forward, and 1 brother, Randolph Traylor.

Kennard dedicated his life to the Lord at an early age at Iron Wheel Baptist Church. Not only was Kennard a member, he worked inside the church as an Usher. He helped maintain the church grounds and maintenace when needed. He was also responsible for beautifying the grounds at Pine Hill Memorial Cemetery.

Kennard never met a stranger during his lifetime. If he didn't know you he was going to know you before the day ended. He was the life of a party. Kennard was the person to go to when any family member wanted to know about our family history. Kennard attended and graduated from Burkeville High School in 1973. Kennard was in the following organizations and activities during his high school years: Football 1, 3-4; FFA 1-3, Class Treasurer 2-3, Choral Club 4, Class Vice President 1, UIL Number Sense 1-4, and Perfect Attendance 1-2.

After graduating from high school, he studied Drafting and Mechanical Engineering at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas and Clark University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Kennard was a machinist at Cameron Iron and FMC Technologies in Houston, Texas. He was a very gifted individual. It seems as if there wasn't anything he couldn't do or try to do.

Kennard Ray Traylor leaves to cherish his precious memory; a loving mother Annie Mae Traylor; son, Troy Gatson of Dallas, Texas; a dear friend, Francis Traylor of Houston, Texas; 3 sisters, Gail Green (Alvin) of Newton, Texas, Beverly Dark and Partina Traylor of Houston, Texas; 2 brothers, Tyrone Traylor and Raymond Traylor, Jr. of Newton, Texas; 1 grand daughter, Lymya Gatson; 3 nieces, Tiffany Forward, Jasmine Dark and Grace Wilson; 1 great nephew, Raymond Craig; 1 great niece, Hannah Dale Craig; 2 aunts, Mildred Lewis and Lula Faye Coleman of Beaumont, Texas and a friend like a brother, Louis Spikes of San Diego, California; and a host of relatives and friends.