William "Bill" Raymond Taylor

William Raymond "Bill" Taylor, age 80, of Battle Creek died Monday morning, April 14, 2014 at the Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born in Battle Creek on November 28, 1933, the loving son of John W. and Henrietta (Bartels) Taylor and graduated from St. Philip Catholic High School in 1951. Bill served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1953 to 1956. He retired from Michigan Carton and Paperboard after more than 40 years of faithful service.

Bill is survived by his children, Susan M. Taylor and Michael J. Taylor, and their mother, Judy K. (Estes) Taylor; his grandchildren, Sarah E. (Michael) Denton, Matthew J. Crumback and Hannah T. Crumback; his great-grandchildren, Carter F. Denton and Connor B. Denton; his loving companion, Joan LaRock and her children Gary (Veronica), Cary (Donna) LaRock, Dawn (Jim) Spindlow, Tracy Bradshaw, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; his sister, Beverly (Bill) Strong, and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Walter Curtis; his infant brother, Eugene Taylor, and his sister, Gwendolyn (Forrest) Bishop.

Bill excelled in all of his athletic endeavors, played football, basketball, baseball, and he bowled for many years. For decades, he played softball for several teams at Bailey Park, including Mullet Motors. He was admired as a wonderful coach for many years with the Lakeview Recreation Youth Baseball League and the Battle Creek Recreation Floor Hockey Program. An avid MSU fan, Bill also enjoyed watching the History Channel, NASCAR, and spending time with his family.

The family will receive friends 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 18, 2014 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where a memorial service to celebrate Bill's life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday with Elder Ralph Saye from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the LYA (Lakeview Youth Association) P.O. Box 753 Battle Creek, MI 49016. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.