William "Bill" Taylor,

William (Bill) Benjamin Taylor Jr., devoted and loving husband and father, left this world to be with Our Heavenly Father at the age of 80, on March 25, 2009. Bill spent the last year at Pinehurst Alzheimer's unit in Tyler, TX. Bill was born to parents, William B. Taylor and Velcia Von Stein Taylor, in Coraopolis, PA, on September 20, 1928. Following high school graduation in 1946, Bill spent two years in the Army's 82nd Airborne, serving his country. In 1948, after being honorably discharged and taking advantage of the country's GI Bill, he enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated Cum Laude, in 1952, with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. Bill was then hired by Phillips Petroleum Company of Bartlesville, OK and sent to Smackover, Arkansas for a 5 month training program. Smackover proved to be more than a place to work thanks to mutual friends and a blind date. Bill met Grace in September before his being sent off-shore for the continuation of the Phillips training program. Their separation lasted only four months as they were married January 10, 1953. The couple then followed a successful, whirlwind career moving many places around the central United States. During their lives together they were blessed to adopt two girls, Susan and Joy, and enjoyed a fulfilling life and career watching the children grow. Bill ended his career in London, England in May 1986, and the couple retired to Missouri City, TX before permanently retiring to Lake Palestine outside Tyler. Bill is survived by his wife of 56 years, Grace, and his daughters, Susan DeCarlo and husband Don and Joy Belisch and husband and Bert respectively. They were greatly blessed with the births of five grandchildren: Casey DeCarlo, Megan DeCarlo, Nick DeCarlo, Taylor Belisch, and Gracie Belisch, whom will miss their "PaPaw" greatly. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. The service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2009, at 10:30 AM at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler, Texas 75703. Visitation will be Friday, March 27, 2009 at the funeral home from 6:00-8:00 PM for all those wishing to spend time with the family. A special thank you goes out to the friends and neighbors from the Hills and elsewhere who with their loving support have made this journey bearable. Memorials in the name of William B. “Bill” Taylor, Jr. may be made to Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75701 and all the angels who work there.

William "Bill" Taylor,

September 20, 1928 - March 25, 2009