William Eugene Taylor

William Eugene "Bill" Taylor, age 91, of Collierville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025. Bill was born on March 21, 1934, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the son of Jewel Madison Taylor and Frances Jane Long Taylor. After graduating from Pine Bluff High School in 1952, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War, specializing in radar operations. While stationed overseas from 1953 to 1954, he remained devoted to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Teresa M. Lepri. Bill and Teresa were married on July 22, 1954, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Greenville, Mississippi-marking the continuation of a love story that spanned 71 years. Following his military service at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Bill pursued his passion for engineering, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Arkansas. In 1963, he settled in Memphis, Tennessee, with his growing family and embarked on a distinguished career designing and managing infrastructure projects across Tennessee and surrounding states. His work spanned private firms, joint ventures, and government roles, culminating in his retirement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District, in 1997. Bill is survived by his wife, Teresa M. Lepri Taylor; daughters, Susan Triolo (Tony) of Florence AL, Shari Ollis (Chris) of Germantown, TN, Jana Reed (Steve) of Waterloo, AL; son, Ron Taylor (Tonya) of Piperton, TN; grandsons, Nate Binkley, Anthony Triolo, Taylor Warren, Chase Taylor; granddaughters, Gina Triolo, Candise Warren, Rachel Hugoboom, Kayli Belk; five great-grandsons, four great-granddaughters; brother, David Taylor (Sandy) of Whitehall, AR and sister, Betty Spadoni (Joe) of Pine Bluff, AR. He was preceded in death by great-grandchildren Austin E. Warren and Ava C. Hugoboom, parents Jewel M. and Frances J. Taylor, and brother Dale M. Taylor. Bill was a man full of heart - known for his deep love for his children, grandchildren, animals, and especially babies, who always brought a special spark to his eyes. A lifelong and passionate Razorback fan, he cheered on his Hogs with unwavering loyalty, win or lose, often planning his days around game time. He found his greatest peace in the outdoors - whether camping beneath the stars, casting a fishing line in the quiet waters, or taking pride in the care of his own yard. His faith was a guiding force in his life; he was a devoted member of the Catholic Church of the Incarnation for over 30 years and faithfully participated in Friday adoration for more than a decade. A true patriot, Bill carried a deep love for his country and instilled those values in his family through quiet strength and humble example. Bill's life was a testament to love, loyalty, and quiet strength. His presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. Visitation will be held on July 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. at the Catholic Church of the Incarnation, Collierville, TN, with Father Ernie DeBlasio officiating. Interment will follow at the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, Memphis, TN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill's honor may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project: support.woundedwarriorproject.org