WILLIE TAYLOR

Mr. Willie L. Taylor, born on December 3, 1948, in Madison County, Mississippi, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and community service. He was the beloved son of the late Rev. Augustus D. Taylor Sr. and C-Bell Alexander-Carter. From a young age, Willie professed his faith in Jesus Christ, joining the Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church in Sharon, Mississippi, where his spiritual journey began.

Willie's educational path led him through Canton High School and onward to graduation from the Job Corp in Denver, Colorado. His professional journey took him to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he dedicated his career to the City of Indianapolis, serving in the Forestry Division with commitment and pride.

A pillar of the community, Willie was a devoted member of the Elk Lodge located on 15th and Riverside. His weekends were spent planning initiatives to support the community, from providing toys during the holiday season to orchestrating fall festival parties. It was within this space of community action that he met his beloved Shirley Ann Davis, and they united in holy matrimony on October 19, 1984, in a private ceremony at her parents' family home. Willie remained a steadfast partner to Shirley until her peaceful departure from this earthly life on January 4, 2023.

In the late 1980’s, Willie joined St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Curtis L. Vance, where he remained a faithful member, nurturing his spiritual life and relationships with fellow congregants.

Known affectionately as the "Grill Master," Willie found joy in hosting family gatherings at his eastside home, often accompanied by his loyal family pet, Tony. His Levi Jeans and white V-neck t-shirt became a familiar sight by the grill where he crafted meals for loved ones. If anyone asked if he needed help his signature response would be, "Naw, I got it," accompanied by a chuckle and a shake of his head.

The beautiful life of Willie L. Taylor will forever be cherished by his daughters, LaTonya Renee Davis-Dawson-Walton (Chris) and LaTosha Davis, as well as his grandchildren, Krystal Dennis of New Orleans, LA, Damaira Davis, Denzel Rabon, Ayreona Powell, Armani "AJ" Davis, Aareon Dawson, and Timothy "Lil Tim" Dawson II all located in Indianapolis, Indiana. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren Kash Rogers, Denzel J Rabon Jr., and Londyn Powell.

Willie's siblings, Pastor Arthur Taylor of Slidell, LA, Omega Kinner-Hill (Pastor Kaple Hill) of Jackson, MS, and Mary Francis Kinner-Brown (Marshall) of Milwaukee, WI, as well as his siblings by marriage Sharon Renee Davis, James G Davis Jr. (Erika), Michelle Smith-Harvey (Charles), and Michael A Davis Sr. (Cherise) of Indianapolis, IN, will remember his warmth and unwavering support. Siblings that proceeded him in death were Emma Pearl Taylor Scott Williams, Elease Taylor Woodard, Johnnie James Taylor and William C Kinner. He leaves behind a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives were touched by his kindness and generosity.

Mr. Willie L. Taylor's legacy is one of love, faith, and community service, a life that will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.

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