Dr. William Clarence Taylor

Dr. William (Bill) C. Taylor, age 85, passed away at home on January 14, 2023. Born in Clyde, Ohio on February 19, 1937 to Irvin and Blanche Wright Taylor, he graduated Clyde High School in 1955 and subsequently studied at Case Western Reserve and Ohio State University, earning a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering in 1967. His remarkable career was defined by, among many accomplishments, 32 years as Chairman of the Michigan State University Department of Civil Engineering. His expertise earned him an appointment as Science Advisor to Gov. William Milliken, a global reputation as an educator and international consultant, and a special place in the hearts of many former students and colleagues throughout the world. Bill’s greatest legacy is his family, by whom he was surrounded throughout his life and in his final days. He was predeceased by his grandson, Simon Taylor. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Norma Nuti Taylor; his children, Kim (Tom) Luebcke, Andrea Echelberger, Bill (Wendy) Taylor, Colette Taylor, Brent Taylor, and Matthew Taylor; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Natalie) Taylor, Anthony (Rachel See) Taylor, Morgan (Jared) Palmer, Alexandra Marin, Noah Taylor, Isabel Taylor, Lilah Mott, Charles (Anne) Hall, and Bradley Luebcke; and great-grandchildren, Arabella Marin, Josiah Marin, Ryland Marin, River Taylor, Louisa Taylor, Emilio Taylor, Ryan Dietlin, Benjamin Palmer, Dominic Taylor, Samantha Hall, and Jacob Hall. Equal parts scholar and competitor, he was a two-sport college athlete and continued playing his favorite sport, basketball, until the age of 82. In keeping with his personality, he wasn’t flashy but he had excellent fundamentals. He played against much younger athletes; we’re not sure if this is because he was so good or because there weren’t enough people for an 80+ league. Probably a little of both. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (www.UMDF.org). A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 2:00 PM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Chapel, 1730 E Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823. The family invites those who wish to attend the service virtually, do so at the following link: http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/84949 Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for the Taylor family.