William Hillman Taylor Jr.

Sacramento at the age of 78.

Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Lynn Perry, with whom he shared many loving years, and her children from a previous marriage, Julia Linsteadt and Andrea Lebar. He was preceded in death by his father, William Hillman Taylor, Sr., and his mother, Doris Glyn Ferguson Taylor.

Bill was born on December 28, 1946, in San Francisco, California, to William Hillman Taylor, Sr., and Doris Glyn Ferguson Taylor. He graduated from San Ramon Valley High School in 1965. He earned a degree in geography from the University of California, Davis, where he also took courses in viticulture and enology, sparking a lifelong passion for wine and a love of discovering new varietals. Bill enjoyed traveling, hiking, wine tasting, and reading. He will be remembered for his enthusiastic love of learning and sharing his knowledge with friends and family. 

Bill worked for the City of Davis from 1970 to 1981, and later spent 25 years with the City of Sacramento, retiring in 2011 as Web Manager.

In retirement, volunteering with the California State Railroad Museum, he pursued his lifelong fascination with railroads, where he managed the docent website, served on an advisory committee, and volunteered as a Car Attendant for the Sacramento Southern Railroad and the Polar Express. His favorite role was serving as a narrator on the Amtrak route between Sacramento and Reno—a position that combined his love of history, storytelling, and trains. In 2016 he was selected for the Ed Kahl Award by the California State Railroad Museum “for inspiring in others exceptional service, compassion and commitment.”

Bill also volunteered as a website manager for the Ohana Dance Group/Kūhai Hālau O Kaponookalani Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko, with whom he shared a deep connection to the culture and spirit of Hawai‘i.

A dedicated Northern California Koyasan Temple member, Bill served on the Board of Directors and the Cabinet, and supported the temple by managing its website.

A memorial service will be held at the Northern California Koyasan Temple, 1400 U Street, Sacramento, CA. Rev. Yasuko Coy will officiate. Service details are pending.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ohana Dance Group / Kūhai Hālau O Kaponookalani Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko by visiting https://ohanadancegroup.com and clicking the “Donation” button