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Obituary For Willie H. Taylor
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
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5 Trees were planted in memory of Willie H. Taylor - September 08, 2026
Divine Light was sent for Willie H. Taylor - September 07, 2026
We love you and praying for you and the family. - Love Lamar Jones and Gale Hobson
Thoughts of Tranquility Floor Basket was sent for Willie H. Taylor - September 06, 2026
To Kimberland & Family With love from Your Texas Therapy Family Amanda Hobson Pam Ingram Maricel Chua Ebbonye Johnson Korie Nathaniel Mrs. Jackie Blake Fisk Jamie Wilson Fred Smith Courtney Shead
My deepest condolences to the Taylor family. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time. May God give you comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead. ❤️🙏
I send my sincere condolences to Cheryl and all family members.I pray that God gives you all the peace,comfort,understanding,and love that will heal your hearts of the great loss you have suffered. With Love and Prayers Paulette Hill
Mrs. Taylor,"Cheryl", Kim and Tanya. We are much better people because of knowing Mr. Taylor while visiting Tyler, Texas. May God continue to bless your family. Tony and LaGail
May God comfort each and every one of you all
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To Cheryl, Tanya and Kim, my good and faithful servants that kept the husband and father safe and comfortable and loved from his first sick day to his last. God Bless You All. With deepest regards, Jeanette Lyttle Your Cousin
May God give each of you comfort at this difficult time. Prayers for the entire family and especially our Tyler, Texas family.
I am so saddened to hear the passing of Will. He will truly be missed. The family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sending Love's to the Taylor family my sweet friend Kimberly J. I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I Pray that God will grant you the strength. My most sincere condolences. 🙏🏿
Sorry to hear about Will he was an awesome man and very funny he will be missed. Praying for your family.
Sorry for your loss, my condolences to the Taylor family.
I will all ways love my people he was always a positive road model to look to love you always will joe son Steve brown
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family. May your favorite memories may your favorite memories of him bring you comfort.
Sending love and prayers out to our family🙏🏾
Well done thy good and faithful servant. "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to away from the body and at home with the Lord."---2 Corinthians 5:8 Cheryl, Tonya and Kim and the Taylor family, he fought a good fight, keep his humble smile, and I never heard him complain about issues of his health. " God never said the journey would be easy, but He did say the arrival would be worthwhile. Will, we will see you in little while. Gone, but never forgotten. Peggy Haynes-Edwards and Family.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.