Willie Taylor entered this life on July 10, 1944 born to the union of Agrippa and Auriagusta Taylor at Christian Welfare Hospital in East St. Louis, IL. He was born the third of four children; his mother, father and two brothers, Agrippa Jr and George Taylor proceeded him in death.

Willie confessed his hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at Southern Mission Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. Calvin Fern. He grew up on Goose Hill where he attended Garfield and Carver Elementary, Rock Jr. High and graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School.

In 1966, Willie began his career at General Motors Corporation in St. Louis, MO. In March 1968, he was drafted into the US Army where he was stationed in Vietnam and served his country during the Vietnam War. Willie earned several awards during his tour of duty including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

On July 13, 1968, Willie was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Coronella Cook and this union produced two beautiful daughters: Stephanie and Christy.

After an honorable discharge from the armed services, Willie attended and graduated from State Community College in East St. Louis, IL where he earned an Associate of Science Degree in Pre-Teaching. He also resumed his career at General Motors Corporation in St. Louis, MO and later in Wentzville, MO. Occasionally, Willie would arrive at the plant with his briefcase which carried the carefully selected lottery numbers for he and his coworkers. After 31 years of dedicated service, he retired from General Motors in October 1997.

Willie was a personable, fun loving man who was known for his commitment to family, friends and figuring out the winning lottery numbers. He was also known for his mastery of the BBQ grill! Willie loved to cook on one of his several grills and his family and friends would bring meat to his home that he converted into delectable grilled or smoked masterpieces.

On Wednesday, March 28, 2018, Willie answered God's call and departed this earthly life. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 49 years, Coronella Taylor; two daughters, Stephanie Taylor and Christy (Wayne) Jones; his sister, Victoria T. Clincy; three grandchildren, Julian, Joy and Josiah Jones; two brothers-in-law, John (Hilda) Johnson and Derrick Johnson; two sisters-in-law, Ann Cook and Lisa (Tyrone) Woodhouse and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.