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Billy Taylor Obituary

BILLY CLAYTON TAYLOR 1947 2007 Billy Clayton Taylor, 59, a former resident of Houston, passed away on Tuesday, April 3, 2007 in Newport, Rhode Island while on active duty with the U.S. Navy. Mr. Taylor had 37 years of dedicated Naval Service while serving under eight presidents. He served during both the Vietnam and Persian Gulf engagements and was additionally part of the Apollo 13 retrieval team. Billy was an honored guest speaker at numerous retirements throughout the United States. He also served as Assistant minister for the Navy Boot Camp in Great Lakes, IL. Mr. Taylor was a devoted Christian and his service through the Lord's church was always about helping others. In the Body of Christ he was an Elder, Deacon, and servant in personal evangelism. He was active in the bus ministry as well as helping to start the Impact Outreach Program for the homeless at Northwest Church of Christ in Houston, TX. His drive to help others extended to the Hospice of the Emerald Coast Food Pantry Program in Pensacola, FL, to his work as a mentor in the school system, and with at risk student programs in Houston and Dallas, TX, to serving on the school board at Lindale Christian School, and coaching in the Houston Independent School District. Mr. Taylor was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Mr. Taylor was preceded in death by his father, Willie Norman Taylor; sister, Marion LaVerne Bradley; and his beloved grandmother, Verna Basey. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Juanita Taylor; son, Eric Clayton Taylor; mother, Dr. Mary Verna Taylor; sister, Geneive Stewart; nieces and nephews, MarShalle Bradley, Stacey Pearl Stewart, Marshall Bradley, and Jacques Hogan. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. at Gateway Church of Christ with Minister Kelly Wheeler officiating. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery with military honors. Pensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Apr. 10, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Billy Taylor

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Steven Jones

April 30, 2007

My sincerest condolences to Billy's family and loved ones. My wife and I were blessed to have made Billy and Juanita's acquaintance while serving together in Fort Worth, TX. I've always gone to sleep each night knowing that Billy had lifted us recruiters up in prayer everyday. He stood the watch both militarily and spiritually. Now its our turn to demonstrate our integrity. May his legacy live on in our hearts and our ways.

Robert Charles

April 19, 2007

Iam so blessed to have known Billy and blessed that he and his lovely wife took the time from their busy schedule to take part and attend my Retirement Ceremony 3yrs ago in Providence, RI. He was, is and always will be an inspiration to me. May God bless him and his family. Rest in peace Billy!!

Mary West

April 17, 2007

NCCS Taylor was at one time my Navy zone supervisor and he was the best one I had ever had. He knew each person individually and cared about both our personal life and our career he was a fair person, a kind person and I will miss him dearly. He taught me alot about human nature and people.I will say a prayer for his family, he always spoke so highly of his family I know he loved them dearly and I just want them to know that he spoke about them when he was away from them.

Evelyn Rogers Stewart

April 16, 2007

To The Taylor Family
May God be very near you
At this time of deepest sorrow
To comfort you and grant you strenght
To meet each new tomorrow.

Billy and I was my classmate at Goodwill from grades 1-7 and I thank God that he lived his life as he was taught as a childern.

Marylin Joyce Basey Wahington

April 16, 2007

I'm so saddened to learn about the loss of Billy and I want to share with you my deepest condolences.He was such a postive person and I always enjoyed the visits with him at Grandmother Verna house and the visit when you and Billy came and visited my mother and I in Fort Worth.
May God wrap his loving arms around you and Eric doing your times of sorrow.

Bob & Pat Whiteley

April 13, 2007

Billy
was a great friend and shipmate. He participated in my retirement here
in Idaho coming all the way from Florida 3 years ago. We loved him and
will miss him very much. He inspired all who knew him with his great
faith and love. Our condolences to his family.

Lionel Robinson

April 13, 2007

My wife Harriette returned from the funeral and said, "You have to read this." I didn't know Billy, but Eric's poem caused me to call my own son, and the description of Billy's life caused me to consider my own life and to think of ways I could do more for others. I never met Billy, but just two pieces of paper commemorating his life have affected me. I wish I had known him.

Larry Lasky

April 13, 2007

To The Taylor Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Having met Billy the times I did; I knew he was a special man. He will be missed. God Bless.

Eugene Matthews

April 12, 2007

Jaunita and Eric,
I was so sorry to hear of Billy's death. I will miss his long talks on the phone about our childhood.
God must have had other plans for him. Let us try to see him in Heaven.

Sharon Johnson

April 12, 2007

Jaunita and Eric,
I am asking God to bless both of you. Know that He is always with you, even in your sorry and grief.

Sammie, Alpha & Cedric Williams, Lori Hill and Pamela Luckett

April 12, 2007

Jaunita and Eric,
Words can't express the sorry in our hearts for the loss of our nephew and cousin. May God bless you both during the times of grief. Remember the good times that the three of you spent together!
May God bless and keep his family.

Paul & Melissa Butterfield

April 12, 2007

Mrs. Taylor and Eric, We were so sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Taylor. Eric meant a lot to everyone when he was with us. In just the few times we met his parents they both made an impact on us.

John & Rhonda Heflin

April 12, 2007

Jaunita & Eric

We were supprised to hear that Bill had a heart attack and passed away. He was a great example for us and most of all he was someone who truely loved the Lord and cared about people who were in need. We know that words cannot express what you are going through. You both are in are our prayers.

Carolyn Barnes

April 11, 2007

I have such great memories of Bill. They are all related to Jaunita and Bill visiting at Gateway Church of Church. You both "let your light shine" where ever you worship. He has left a void on earth. I look forward to meeting him in heaven. Juanita, this will be the hardest time of your life--the Lord will see you through. You are special! Love and prayers,

Reba Kimbro

April 11, 2007

Juanita, I was so saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Eric. Know that God's Grace is all sufficient. Reba Kimbro

Ed Austin

April 11, 2007

I offer my sincere condolences to Mrs. Taylor and family. Billy was extremely supportive and encouraging to me when I was at NORU and through my retirement process. I was honored that he spoke at my ceremony and extremely grateful for all the advice and counsel that he provided me on transitioning to civilian life. I will miss him.

April 11, 2007

Thank you for your military service for all Americans.

Yolanda Parnther

April 11, 2007

Juanita and Eric,
I would like to express my condolences to you both at this time. Senior Chief Taylor was a wonderful man with a big heart. I am glad to have had the chance to know him. He will truly be missed by all who have had the chance to know him. My prayers are with you both.

Tom and Pat Franklin

April 10, 2007

Jaunita and Eric:
We were so sorry to learn of Billy's sudden death. Sometimes it seems the Lord calls early for those most prepared to go. Keep the faith that will put you together again! We count it a blessing to have been associated with Billy (and you) at church and in our home. Eric, we trust that you will continue to follow the wonderful example that your father has set for you. He was indeed a great Christian.

Mike & Rose McCaleb

April 10, 2007

Juanita & Eric
Our hearts go out to you both in your time of great sorrow. May the peace of knowing that Bill will be waiting for you both where we all are striving to go one day, be of some comfort to you. You both have so many memories to help keep you company. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this trying time.

Aaron McCaleb

April 10, 2007

On behalf of the entire McCaleb family, I would like to express our condolences to Juanita and Eric in this time of grief and loss. I'll remember Bill by the powerful and moving prayers that he led and the love he had for his fellow man. God bless you Juanita and Eric.

Larry and Donna Thompson

April 10, 2007

Juanita & Eric:

Bill, the gentle giant, will truly be missed by all. Bill touched each and every person he came in contact with. The Church and all
who knew him share in your loss. May God hold you in his hands and give you the comfort that only he can give.

Brian Anna McCown

April 10, 2007

Juanita & Eric

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

May you always hold fast to the beautiful days that God blessed you with in growing together in the work of the Lord.

Joe & Debra Rigby

April 10, 2007

Juanita & Eric,

Bill made a great impact on our lives in the short time that we knew him - as he has on many others. May God continue to bless you both.

Chad Hulsizer

April 10, 2007

Billy T will always be remembered by me as a gentle giant in not only his size, but his Christian heart of helping others in need. I feel blessed to of served with such a great man.
He was a true Freedom Fighter!
God bless his family

Tracie Bitz

April 10, 2007

Dear Juanita and Eric,
There is such sorrow in my heart for your loss. Billy had the grace of God upon him. One could see the sincerity, love and kindness that radiated from the depths of his soul. So many hours he spent giving so much of his time to others. Thank you for sharing him with us. He helped pray and laugh with us on so many occasions and became known as Uncle Billy to our children. I feel it an honor to call him my friend. May God's loving arms comfort you during this time of sadness and homegoing.
With much love,
Tracie Bitz

Hubert Smith

April 10, 2007

Juanita & Eric,

I pray that God comfort and keep you.

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