WILLIE GEORGE TAYLOR JR

Willie George Taylor, Jr. was born in Tucker, Arkansas in 1933 to the late Willie George Taylor and the late Katie Mae Woods. His early life in the rural Black farming community of Tucker--where he was known as JuneKatie--instilled a value for family and community, and gratitude for life’s simple pleasures. 

 As a teenager, Willie moved with his mother to Michigan where he attended and graduated from Benton Harbor High School. Soon after high school Willie joined the U.S. Air Force, garnering many accolades and earning the rank of Technical Sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge in 1974. 

 During this time, he met and married Geraldine Stewart. While both went on to remarry, to this union three children were born: Robin D. Taylor, Kenneth G. Taylor, and Kim R. Taylor. On September 16, 1967, Willie married Ernestine (Roddy) Young, and their families were blended. To this union one child was born: Sherri A. Taylor. Willie and Ernestine were married until her death in 2021.

 Following his 20-year career in the US Air Force, Willie went on to hold supervisory roles with Garland Hospital and the City of Richardson, where he worked in Facilities Management for 13 years until his retirement in 1999.

 A man of God, Willie was a longtime member of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church where he was ordained as a Deacon in 1980 and served faithfully for 43 years. At Galilee, he forged many lifelong friendships and found comfort and a spiritual community.

 Willie enjoyed a multitude of hobbies and passion projects throughout his life. A lifelong learner he was interested in many things from politics to astronomy to photography to collecting stamps and coins. After retirement, he developed a deep interest in and commitment to genealogy and tracing his family lineage. His skills were so developed that for many years he and his late wife Ernestine volunteered at the Dallas Public Library sharing their love for genealogy by helping others learn how to map their own family trees.  

 He believed that when people could join together for a common cause anything could be accomplished. Always one to ‘walk his talk’, Willie selflessly devoted his time and energy toward the beautification and betterment of his Oak Cliff neighborhood as a founding member of the Cedar Oaks Homeowners Association and served as its President for many years. 

 He will be remembered for his quiet dignity, unending kindness, generous spirit, and easy smile. Always ready with a word of care and encouragement, Willie’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. 

 Willie was predeceased by his wife Ernestine Roddy Taylor, his former wife Geraldine Stewart, sister, Hazel Woods Daniels, and his son Kenneth G. Taylor. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved family: his daughters, Robin D. Taylor, Shelia G. Bowen, and Sherri A. Taylor; his sons, Kim R. Taylor, Daryl E. Young (Mina), and Carlos W. Young (Risa); his sister Dorothy Jackson (Lawrence); 13 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.

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