William "Bill" Taylor, age 79, of Rutherfordton, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2020 at his residence.

Bill was born July 7, 1940 in Rutherford County to the late Sam Ezell Taylor, Sr., and Marjorie Lee Davis Taylor. He was a graduate of R-S Central High School, class of 1958 and served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force. Bill was a "teacher at heart." He was a welding instructor for 24 years at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, SC and taught Adult Education classes at Midlands Technical School. He was a member of Gilkey United Methodist Church and was currently attending Thermal City United Methodist Church. He taught the youth class and later on the adult Sunday School class at Thermal City. Bill was also an avid gardener. He was an active and dedicated member of the local DAV Chapter #25. He loved his God, his Country, and his Family dearly.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Annette Fisher and a brother, Roger Taylor.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving of fifty-seven years, Jean Taylor; son, Jeffery Alan Taylor (Keith Carlson) of Inman, SC; two daughters, Diane Silva (Sergio) of Leesville, SC and Renee McCartha (Mike Goodwin) of Lexington, SC; two sisters, Dorothy Scott of Rutherfordton and Donna Hudson (Del) of Mooresboro; two brothers, Sam Ezell Taylor, Jr. (Janice) of Bostic and Michael Taylor (Sherry) of Morganton. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Brittani McCartha, Russell Bell, Jr., Lynn McCartha IV, Taylor McCartha, Lael Silva and a great-granddaughter, Zayda Bayless.

A private graveside service to honor Bill's life will be held at Gilkey United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Memorial donations are requested to Thermal City United Methodist Church, c/o Rachel Dowdle, 280 Crutchfield Rd., Union Mills, NC 28167.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com