Billy Wayne Taylor, 81, Water Valley, died January 8, 2020, at Baptist Memorial Hospital of Oxford. Born May 24, 1938, he was a son to Luna Autry and Lola Murl Turner Taylor.
A native of Bruce, he was a 1956 graduate of Bruce High School. After high school, he found the nearest recruiting station and signed up for the National Guard, in which he faithfully served nine years. Shortly after enlisting, he was called to action during the Berlin crisis.
He found a career with the University of Mississippi where he was employed 28 years as Physical Plant Superintendent. Upon retirement, he found leisure in fishing with his friends and keeping his “fixing” skills fine-tuned. He was a true family man who dearly loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife, Emma G Tramel; son, Kenneth (Susan) Taylor, Olive Branch; daughter, Glenda Leigh (Larry) McCullough, Waterford; grandchildren, Jessica Nicole Pryor, Michael, Mathew, Kellen and Kingston Taylor; great grandchildren, Hoyt Larrence and Dean Pryor; sisters, Betty Warrington, Athens, GA and Patricia Hale, Memphis. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Michael Wayne Taylor, and sister, Bobbie Jean Taylor.
His funeral service was Friday in the sanctuary of Anchor Baptist Church with Bro. Gerald Shook officiating. Steve Beckham, Ricky Hudson, Ted Odom, Matthew Taylor, Michael Taylor, Tony Warrington, Jimmy Wilson, and Dave Yarbrough were pallbearers. Dr. Jackie Turner, Jimmy Turner, Rickie Turner, Sammy Turner, Tommy Turner, Ronnie Poteete were honorary pallbearers. Interment was in Anchor Cemetery.
Parker Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.