William A. Taylor

William “Bill” Andrew Taylor of Cullowhee passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024. Bill was a native of Jackson County, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents Howard Andrew Taylor and Maleta Taylor, in-laws, brother David Taylor and sisters Shirley Tilson and Lillie Scussel.

He was a retired Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force with 21 years of service, most of which was based at Tyndall Air Force Base. Bill was a very proud Air Force Veteran. He was also a very proud member of the American Legion. After USAF Bill worked for the United States Postal Service. Bill and Marie owned and operated Leon’s Donut Shop in Panama City FL.  Upon retiring they returned to their beloved Cullowhee NC enjoying time with each other sitting on the front porch and taking in the beauty of the mountains.

William is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Marie Taylor; children, Wanda Solomon (Tony) and Ann Phillips; grandchildren Amber Gregory (Josh), Aaron Solomon and David Phillips; sister Ruthie Miller (Wayne); sisters-in-laws Betty and Shirley; brother-in-laws James, and Roy; four great-grandchildren Caleb, Taylor, Bradley, & Synthia; and many beloved nephews and nieces.

William was a smart and kind man that never did anything halfway. He was a skilled master wood craftsman with a specialty in building beautiful pieces of furniture. William leaves his beautiful wife, Marie, along with many treasured pieces he made specifically for her. Doing great things that sometimes went unnoticed were not uncommon for William, he was always there for others when they needed him most. It could be giving his time and resources to his family, church, and community.

William enjoyed life in the great outdoors and enjoyed, gardening, mowing grass, and hunting. William was best known by his many nieces and nephews as “Unc” and he was cherished by each one for his guidance through life, helping them fix or build something, offering stories of family tradition and being there for each of them in life. Unc, set the bar high for family traditions and leaves a legacy to each one to carry on those
traditions.

The Memorial Celebration of Life service will be held at Speedwell Baptist Church, Saturday, May 18, 2024, visitation from 2:00-3:00pm, followed by the service at 3:00pm then proceed to the Taylor Cemetery. With the Reverend Clemmey Queen, Reverend Terry Taylor and Reverend Mike Farmer, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing in Bills memory to the Veteran Pen Pal Project, wreathsacrossamerica.org and Speedwell Baptist Church. Condolences may be left with Appalachian Funeral Home.