William H. Taylor Jr.

Throughout his life, Bill Taylor was an exemplary leader and a pillar in his community as well as in his family. A veteran of war, a former Mayor of Pontiac, and the member of countless civic organizations, Bill devoted his life to the advancement of his community. He was a natural leader who used his virtues of generosity, love, and strength to improve the world around him.

With the Great War escalating throughout Europe, the year 1915 marked a time of uncertainty. After the sinking of the Lusitania by a German U-boat, President Woodrow Wilson led his country into the war effort, joining the Allied Powers. In Detroit, Michigan, William Henry Taylor Sr. and his wife Ann Jack maintained their good spirits by focusing on a different future, the future of their family. On November 9, 1915 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their son William, Jr.

Although Bill began his life in Detroit, he grew up in Pontiac, Michigan with the company of his younger sister Jean. Even in his early years, Bill demonstrated the skills that would make him an exemplary leader. His classmates responded to these qualities, and they elected Bill to his first office, the Vice President of their senior class. He graduated from Pontiac High School in 1934.

After his graduation, Bill began working at Pontiac Motors. He also held a part time job at grocery store, where he made friends with a coworker who introduced him to Evelyn Warrener. After a romantic courtship, Bill and Evelyn were married on January 1, 1938.

Just three years after his marriage, in 1941, Bill was called to serve in the Second World War. He joined the Med Corp where he attained the rank of sergeant. After his honorable discharge, Bill returned to his job at General Motors; over the years he moved up through the ranks to become the Assistant Advertising Manager.

In addition to his successful military and civilian careers, Bill also excelled at politics. In 1960 he was appointed to the City Council, and in 1964 he was elected Mayor of Pontiac, Michigan, a position that he held for three terms. Because of his outstanding mayoral leadership, Bill was then elected as President of the Michigan Municipal League, which represents four hundred and thirty-one cities throughout the state.

Bill also dedicated his time to leadership roles within his church and community. He played an active role in the First Christian Church by managing their budget and serving as the superintendent of the Sunday School. He later joined Central United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee and president of the board. Additionally, Bill was the Chairman of the United Fund and an active member of the Masonic Lodge, Boys Club, and several other civic organizations.

Although Bill was extremely devoted to his career, his community, and his church, he was proud to make his family his foremost priority. Bill has three daughters, Ellen Jolly of Holland, Janet Taylor of Waterford, and Laurie Banter of London, Ontario.

After retiring from GM in 1974, Bill and Evelyn moved to the Warrener family farm in Port Albert, Ontario where they lived happily for fourteen years. During these years, Bill and Evelyn enjoyed traveling and had the pleasure of visiting such places as China, Mexico, Greece, Spain, Germany, Italy, Africa, Alaska, and Hawaii.

Evelyn, his wife of 51 years, passed away in 1989 and in 1991 Bill left his Canadian home and moved to Freedom Village in Holland. During his first years in his new home, he had the privilege of meeting Gladys Sexton. Bill and Gladys made history by being the first couple to marry at Freedom Village. News of the February 1993 event made the front of the Grand Rapids Press. Bill also played an instrumental role on a committee which creates scholarships for students who work at Freedom Village.

On November 9, 2005, Bill's family gathered to celebrate his 90th birthday. The day was filled with memories of his civic responsibilities, his Christian stewardship, and his love of family. One tribute given on this momentous day came from his grandson, David...

"All of us have been truly blessed by your leadership and direction and most of all your devotion in our lives. You taught us about love, strong and proud. It has been a love that can only be shared with a family that cares for one another and one that has the security of knowing that there would always be someone there to help. I believe I can speak for everyone here when I say that your love, strength, and most importantly your life brought us to this place on this most special day. We are all blessed with an inner peace that comes from a family that you formed, protected, and held high for all to see. We love you awesome husband, dad, grandpa, father-in-law, and great grandpa."

Bill died on Sunday February 19, 2006 in the Inn at Freedom Village. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Norma Evelyn Taylor in 1989. He is survived by his wife, Gladys Sexton Taylor of Holland; his three daughters, Ellen and Paul Jolly of Holland, Janet Taylor of Waterford, and Laurie and John Banter of London, Ontario, Canada; five grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; his five step children, Connie and Jim Clarey, Carolyn and Carson Neifert, Mary Jo and Chad Creevy, Jim and Brenda Sexton, and Sherrie and John Schermer; sixteen step grandchildren; eighteen step great grandchildren; his sister, Jean Russell of Millersburg, MI; sisters-in-law, Ruth Willis of Rochester Hills, MI, Gail Warrener of Kendalville, IN; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday at 11:00am at Christ Memorial Church , 595 Graafschap Road with Rev. William Brownson officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9pm at the Dykstra Lifestory Funeral Homes, Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street. Burial will take place at White Chapel Cemetery in Troy, MI. Please visit Bill's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory, sign the guestbook, or post a memorial contribution.