Billy Joe Taylor

Billy Joe Taylor, 81, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, April 2, 2020.  He was born to the late Bevley Chester and Sylvia (Conner) Taylor in Crossville, Illinois on December 1, 1938.

Bill enjoyed many hobbies including woodworking, fishing, and gardening.  Bill dedicated his life to his faith and particularly studying and teaching the Bible.  He was a willing servant and, in that spirit, served his church as an elder and a deacon at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ in Olney, Illinois. Bill and his wife ran a successful bus ministry that reached many, as a team he drove, and she did the teaching.  Bill also spent most of his life as an accountant for AMF Wheel Goods in Olney, Illinois.  He was a member of the Kensett Church of Christ.  Both Bill and his wife were former members of the Cloverdale Church of Christ.  Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory are two sons; Joseph Taylor (Terri) of Swansea, Illinois and Mark Taylor (Jan) of Fort Worth, Texas, two daughters; Rebecca Hicks (Tim) of Conroe, Texas and Diana Speer (Jeff) of Searcy, two brothers; Louis Taylor (Barbara) and Ray Taylor (Beatrice), one sister; Joyce Fouts (Darrel), nine grandchildren; Todd Taylor (Sara), Kelsey Redmayne (Andrew), Ryan Hicks, Benjamin Hicks, Anthony Speer (Audrey), David Taylor (Kory), Michelle Taylor, Summer Taylor, and Jonathan Taylor, one great-grandchild; Callie Speer.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife of fifty-two years; Arzelia “Susie” Taylor.

There will be a private graveside held for the immediate family.  In lieu of flowers the family has asked donations to be made to Searcy Children’s Home 509 N. Main St. Searcy, Arkansas or Children’s Home, Inc. 5515 Old Walcott Rd. Paragould, Arkansas 72450.