LTC William E. "Ret" Taylor Jr.

Funeral service for LTC (Ret), William E. Taylor, Jr., 95, of Lawton, OK will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, OK.

Mr. Taylor passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026 in Lawton, OK.

Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 with a special visitation for family and friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

William was born on March 20, 1930 in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma to William Taylor Sr. and Pearlie Mae (Gann) Taylor. He grew up in Rush Springs where he attended school. He then attended Cameron University and the University of Oklahoma serving in the ROTC program. He honorably served in the United States Army and received many awards and medals including the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Basic Missleman Badge, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device, Bronze Star Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Cluster, Familiarization Rifle Cal 30 M-1, and Marksman pistol 45 caliber. William married Amy Marie Green on January 24, 1954 in Waurika, OK and to this union five children were added. Along with his service at bases in the United States, Mr. Taylor served two tours of duty in Germany and one tour in Japan and Korea that his family accompanied him on and together they made fond memories traveling across Europe. After his retirement he owned and operated several businesses in Lawton, including the first lawn irrigation system company, SW Irrigation, as well as three apartment complexes. William was a talented clock maker and an avid OU football fan. He was also a pilot and earned his license in his later years.

He is survived by three daughters and sons in law, Amy and Joe English, Linda and Steve Del Ciello, and Helen Sales; his grandchildren and their spouses, Catherine Nivens, Heather Taylor, Chuck Taylor, Billy Balmas, Chad McConnell, Nick and Candice McConnell, Alexis and Anthony Croff, Ashley and Andrew Florea, Alicia and Aaron Horn, Scott and Jenny McAllister, Franklin Sales, Alexander Sales, Eric Sales; 18 great grandchildren; his sister, Pat Ritter; his niece, Susan Schaffer; and many other loving family members.

Mr. Taylor is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 63 years, Amy Taylor; his daughter, Cynthia Balmas; his son, Wiliam "Eddie" Taylor, III; and his son in law, Frank Sales.