Billy Taylor Jr.

Billy Taylor Jr., 74, of Little Rock passed away November 10, 2012. He was born in Wright, Arkansas March 28, 1938. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. The boys, as he called the grandsons, were the love of his life. He treasured every second he spent with them. He was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, son-in-law and neighbor. Bill was a crane operator and worked for various companies. He was known for his work ethic. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Esther and Bill; brother, Robert; sisters, Earlene, Mary Frances and Brenda; a niece and two nephews. Survivors include his devoted wife, soul mate and best friend of 41 years, Lucy; son William, who was his pride and joy, and his wife, Diane, who was the apple of his eye, and darling grandsons, Will and Wyatt. Other survivors include his brother, JB, who was always there for him, and his wife, Joyce Ann, whose cooking he enjoyed; Jimmy Don Taylor; sister, Sis, and special sister, Pat, who was there during good and bad times and a host of nieces and nephews who adored him. He was a father figure to nephews, John and David, and his wife, Brandy, and loved his niece Teresa like a daughter, a feeling which was reciprocated. Bill was a kind man who looked for the good in everyone and taught by example. He was very handy and as his grandson Will said "Papa can fix anything." At the age of 19 his father died and he helped raise his brothers and sisters. Bill loved the outdoors and loved to camp, fish, and ski. He also loved to travel and enjoyed many vacations with his family. He loved to entertain the family and always hosted Christmas and Easter. He was happiest when he was with his family. He loved to garden and work in the yard which was meticulously kept and the envy of the neighborhood. He will be missed. The family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to Arkansas Hospice and Hospice Homecare for the excellent care they provided. Memorials may be made to Hospice Homecare, Arkansas Hospice or the Cancer Society. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 15th at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, Baseline Road, with Father Mark Wood as celebrant. Interment will follow in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. this evening (Wednesday) at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th St., Little Rock (501) 661-9111. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.