William T Taylor

William (Bill) Thomas Taylor Sr., 95, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024. He was born on July 9, 1928 to the late Edwin and Alma Taylor. Bill was born in Bearden, Arkansas and lived in Smackover until moving to Little Rock with his mother when he was 11.

He began his education in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Little Rock University with honors and a degree in Psychology while working full-time and supporting his growing family.

Bill first caught a glimpse of Juanita at the corner of 4th and High Streets, claiming she was “the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.” When the next school year started, he then found a way to claim the extra seat next to her in class. She became the love of his life and wife of 53 years.

He left high school and Juanita in Little Rock to support the war effort by working at the defense plant in Oakridge, Tennessee. Bill proposed by mail and returned home to marry her on Christmas Eve in 1944. They raised six children in their Hillcrest home on Walnut Street , which has been the family home for 71 years.

He retired at age 87 following a 73-year career, serving as both the State Circulation Manager and Treasurer of the Credit Union for the Arkansas-Democrat Gazette. He began his newspaper career around the age of 12 as a paper boy with the Arkansas Democrat.

He peacefully departed this life on his terms, at home.

He is survived by son, Will Taylor of Colorado Springs; son, Derrell Taylor (Nancy) of Little Rock; son, David Taylor (Freda) of Kansas City; daughter, Joan Cunningham of Little Rock; son, John Taylor (Jennie) of Colorado Springs; and daughter, Suzette Taylor (Becky Parkerson) of Little Rock; grandchildren, Katrina Taylor; Ryan Taylor (Amber); Jason Taylor (Amy); Chad Taylor (Leah); Sarah Anson (Tim); John Cunningham; Paul Cunningham; Matthew Taylor (Danielle); and Ella Taylor; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; sister, Edwina Iacovelli; sister, Frances Moore; grandson, Kyle Taylor and wife Nathalie Picard; and grandson, Rickie Cunningham.

The family wants to express their appreciation to our caregivers April Pierce, Ericka Pierce, Regina Williams and Diane Thigpen for their devotion and loving care of our dad.

Visitation will be held at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church on Thursday, March 14 at 10:30am followed by a service in the Sanctuary at 11:30am. Interment will follow at 1:00pm at Forest Hills Cemetery in Alexander, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Arkansas Hospice, Little Rock Compassion Center, and Miracle League of Little Rock. Online guest book may be signed at dignitymemorial.com.