Born in the Altitude community of Prentiss County, MS, to Louis and Pearl Taylor, Gene was the youngest of his family. He is preceded in death by his 12 brothers and sisters.
In 1958, 18 years old and newly married, Gene and Billie moved to Zion, IL, where they made their home of more than 50 years. There he raised his family, tended his garden, coached little league, played basketball and softball, and was a member of a bowling league.
Gene loved the outdoors, was knowledgeable about weather, wildlife, and always looked for an opportunity to go fishing. Skilled in woodworking, he enjoyed building birdhouses and figures of birds for his friends, family, and neighbors.
He was a member of Zion Second Baptist Church in Zion, IL.
Prioritizing his family above all else, Gene was admired by and cared deeply for his children, grandchildren, and relatives.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Billie (Church) Taylor; his children, Bobby Taylor of Zion, IL and Janet Cox (Wayne) of Booneville, MS; his five grandchildren, Cory Cox, Zac Cox, Nathan Taylor, Rachel Ketchum, and Amber Wade; and three great grandchildren, Kyra Wade and Hyden Wade and James Travis Cox.
A Celebration of Life Graveside Service will be at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Tuscumbia Church Cemetery with Bro. Ricky Taylor officiating.
