Michael Mike Taylor

Michael "Mike" Taylor - a devoted partner, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and the proud keeper of the cleanest lawn on the east side of San Jose and Tracy

-passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, at the age of 77 in Manteca, CA.

Born on February 20, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois Michael spent his childhood in Mississippi before his family eventually settled in California. He graduated from high school in San Jose, where he met Judith Hill - the girl who would become the love of his life, even if their journey took the scenic route back to each other. Their reunion was one of his greatest blessings, and he adored Judy with a fierce and loyal love.

Michael's working years were as diverse as he was - from construction, to landscaping, to time spent as a merchant marine. He brought the same strong work ethic to everything he touched: his garden, his lawn, his home, and of course, his cars.

To know Michael was to know that his yard was his kingdom. His garden was always bursting with cucumbers and tomatoes, which he loved to slice and drizzle with vinegar - sometimes sharing, sometimes not. His lawn was always cut in a meticulous diamond pattern, trimmed with the precision of a man who believed grass deserved respect. And if a squirrel dared to test him? Well, let's just say it was a short life for that squirrel.

A creature of habit, Michael could often be found washing his cars every weekend, keeping a handkerchief neatly tucked in his back pocket, and showing love in his own signature way - often with a cuss word or two sprinkled in. If he fussed at you, you were loved. If he teased you, you were family.

Michael is survived by his beloved partner, Judith Long; their daughter, Lisa Long-Griffin; his brother, Perry Taylor; his granddaughters, Tarae King and Briahna Baskett-Hicks; his grandsons, Cameron Long and Martez Long; his great-grandchildren, Cornelius King, Anthony Hicks, Benjamin Hicks, and Camille Hicks; and his nieces, Monica and Cetavia, who lovingly stood by him with care and compassion - a kindness the family will always be grateful for; as well as a host of other nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is reunited in peace with his mother, Viola Parham "Ma", his father, Louis Taylor "Pop"; his sister, Betty Ball; his brother, Eli Hue Smith "Doc"; and his cherished granddaughter, Clarke Baskett.

Michael will be remembered for his quiet strength, his hardworking hands, his perfectly cut lawn, his storytelling, his uncensored honesty, and the love he showed - in his own real, raw, and unforgettable way. His presence will be deeply missed, but his humor, his stubbornness, and his love will live on in the family hearts forever.