Deacon Willie Henry Taylor transitioned to his heavenly home on September 3, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on August 26, 1946, to McKinley and Martha Lee Taylor. He will be remembered as a fun-loving, no-nonsense, joyful man who always wore a smile. His easygoing nature, good spirits, and gift for making others laugh brought joy to everyone around him.

On September 19, 1965, Will married the love of his life, Frances “Cheryl” McClain. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Tanya and Kim, who brought great love and joy to their family.

Will graduated from Jones Training School in 1965. At the age of 18, he joined the United States Army and was soon deployed to Vietnam. Following his discharge, he continued his military service in the National Guard, serving faithfully and diligently, including during Desert Storm. He retired from the military in 1992.

Will was raised in the church and professed his faith in Christ at an early age under the leadership of the Reverend W. P. Johnson at First Baptist Church. He loved the Lord deeply and served First Baptist selflessly. He was proud to be called “Deacon Taylor” and was also a faithful member of the Male Chorus and Praying Husbands. Throughout his illness, Will remained steadfast in his faith and continued to trust in the Lord. Even during difficult days, he maintained the positive, easygoing spirit for which he was so well known.

As a teenager, Will worked at Ginsburg Shoe Store. He was also a member of the Marching Seventy Band, and his love of music continued throughout his life. He later worked at Heil Quaker and the L&N Railroad until his retirement in 1995.

Will was a proud member of the NAACP and Masonic Lodge. Known for his wonderful sense of humor, he loved playing pool and was affectionately called the “Mayor of Tyler, Texas” whenever he visited family there. Hunting and fishing with his brother were among his favorite pastimes.

Deacon Willie Taylor leaves to cherish his wonderful memories: devoted wife of over 60 years, Cheryl Taylor, of Lewisburg, TN; 2 beloved daughters, Tanya Johnson, of Lewisburg, TN and Kimberland (Boyce) Johnson, of Tyler, TX; 3 grandchildren, Spencer (Jasmine) Johnson, of Tyler, TX, Miracle (Sean) Gilmer, of Castalian Springs, TN and Serenity Johnson, of Houston, TX; 4 great-grandchildren, Cameri Johnson, Bliss Johnson and Myracle Ford, of Tyler, Texas, and Persephone Gilmer of Castalian Springs, TN; brother, Fred (Patricia) Taylor; sister, Carolyn Taylor, all of Flint, MI; sisters-in-law, Novella (Lynn) Ford and Michelle McClain, of Lewisburg, TN, Valorie (Gary) Davis, of Belfast, TN and Sharon (Johnny) Whitaker, of Petersburg, TN; brothers-in-law, Tommy (Sue) McClain and John Hightower, of Lewisburg, TN; devoted nieces and nephews, Deborah (James) Wade, of Murfreesboro, TN, Monica (Joe) Brand, of Rochester Hills, MI, Akilah Shamly, of Flint Township, MI, Tiffany Gardner, of Memphis, TN, Nicole Hightower of Lewisburg, TN, Kyndall (Patrick) Hollis and Conquitas Taylor, of Flint, MI, Jeff Lyttle, Vincent (Shannon) Davis and Jarod Ford, of Lewisburg, TN, Kaci McLean, of Clarksville, TN, Chad McClain and Crystal (Byron) Carter, of Shelbyville, TN, Katina Pigg, of Murfreesboro, TN, Rod (Lisa) Whitaker, of Belfast, TN; special cousin, Theresa McQuiddy, of Flint, MI and a host of other family members and dear friends.

Mr. Taylor was preceded in death by his parents, McKinley and Martha Taylor; siblings, McKinley Taylor, Jr., Connie Taylor and Grace Parks; aunt and uncle, Elease and Dillard McQuiddy; brothers-in-law, Harvie Taylor, Jr. and Tyrone McClain; sister-in-law, nephew, Samuel Motley, III and niece, Marquita Taylor and mother-in-law, Marzee McClain.

Family Visitation, 11am-1pm Tuesday, September 8, 2026 with funeral service to follow at Greater First Baptist Church, 512 6th Avenue North, Lewisburg, TN 37091

Pastor William H. Johnson, Eulogist

Interment, Cook Memorial Gardens, Lewisburg, TN.

Please keep the Taylor family in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements entrusted to Hellum Funeral Home, 611 S Highland Ave, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 615-893-4323