Billy D. Taylor

Bill Taylor, as most people knew him, was born on Aug 29, 1929, in rural Chandler, Oklahoma to Dempsey and Maggie (Stidham) Taylor. He was the third child and first son out of 8 children.

Bill was always a curious and adventures spirit. As a kid he was always daring new things with his sister Dorothy, whether it was riding on the backs of pigs or seeing what all they could do with dynamite caps. They even found out you could make whistles out of them (DO NOT ATTEMPT). At age 14, he dropped out of school to help the family. He worked odd jobs from harvesting to cleaning barns, unloading grains, tilling gardens and so on. Bill taught himself how to take apart and put together just about anything. He was a jack of all trades but eventually found his niche in auto mechanics working at various shops around Chandler until opening his own business.

On December 30, 1950, Bill married Dorthy Kirkpatrick who he had known since he was 9 years old. They made their home in Chandler, Oklahoma and together they had 3 Children, Roger, Rhonda, and Sherryll. Bill worked as a mechanic while Dorthy made the home. In the 50’s and 60’s they were the local distributor for the Tulsa world. Together, with their son Roger and a few others, they delivered papers around the local area. In 1963, Bill opened his own business Taylor Auto Service where he serviced cars from all over the county, state, and even out of state travelers in need. In 1965, he joined the Chandler Fire Department where he served for 20 years. Bill added an addition to the mechanic shop and with Dorthy opened The Family Recreational Center for the youth and families of the area to have a safe place to enjoy time out. Bill and Dorthy enjoyed adventures with their children whether it was visiting the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, Niagara Falls or every cave in between. They always found time to create new memories with their kids just enjoying life. The tradition carried on with their grandkids traveling with a camper in tow. One time he detoured to Kansas on the way back from Missouri just so he could pull a loose tooth. He had pulled a baby tooth in every state surrounding Oklahoma but Kansas, so he had to complete the pattern. Bill had many roles but being a granddad was one of his favorites. He loved and adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bill passed away February 13th at his home in Chandler surrounded by family. He will be remembered forever thanks to the legacy he left behind in all of those who he loved and who loved him. He is preceded in death by his wife Dorthy, his parents, 3 brothers, and two sisters.

He is survived by his children, Roger Taylor and wife Denise, Rhonda (Taylor) Webber, and Sherryll Taylor; brothers Ira Taylor and Jerry Taylor; 6 grandchildren, Kristy Coleman, Kaci (Taylor) Ransom, Melissa Coleman, Kevin Taylor, Robbi (Coleman) Selby, Shannon (Webber) Greene-Cardwell; 12 Great grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, and so many other friends and family.