William Arthur Taylor Sr., 87, of 2570 Beechmont St., entered into eternal rest with his Lord and Savior on June 11, 2012. "Big Bill", as he was affectionately called, was born April 5, 1925 in Columbia, SC, and raised in Winston-Salem. Bill was the son of the late Henry Eugene Taylor and the late Eddie Robinson Taylor. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Penn Taylor; his brother, James Edward Taylor; and daughters, Patricia Taylor-Wilkins and Eddie L. Taylor.

Bill was a graduate of Atkins High School in Winston-Salem and proudly served in the US Navy during WWII. He volunteered as a Scout Master in New Haven, CT where he was also an active member at First & Summerfield United Methodist Church for many years. He enjoyed auto mechanic work and owned several automotive shops in New Haven. He was known for his love for fishing and cooking and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Later in life, he married Musetta Olivia Taylor and they resided in Dublin, GA where he was a member of Howard Chapel United Methodist Church for several years before relocating to Winston-Salem. During his final years in Winston-Salem, he served as a Deacon at New Life Community Baptist Church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Earlene T. Horsey of Winston-Salem, NC; sons, William A. Taylor Jr. (Lavondietta) of West Haven, CT, Venson J. Taylor (Grace) and James E. Taylor of New Haven, CT; daughters, Darlene F. Taylor of New Haven, CT, Geneva B. Melvin (Roderick) of Greensboro, NC, and Patricia Simmons of Winston-Salem, NC; step-sons, Michael Lane of Winston-Salem, NC and Gus Lane of New Haven, CT; he was especially loved and respected by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; he also leaves behind a special sister-in-law, Annie Gregory of the home; and brothers-in-law, Alvin Spence of Waynesboro, GA and Robert Spence (Katherine) of Newport News, VA.

A memorial service and viewing will be held from 6:30pm until 8:30pm Thursday, June 14, 2012 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be held at a later date in Connecticut.
Russell Funeral Home of Winston-Salem, NC and Howard K. Hill Funeral home of New Haven, CT are serving the Taylor family.