Mr. William Joseph “Mr. T” Taylor, 84, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 3:35 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at ProMedica Nursing Home, Galesburg.
He was born October 5, 1937, in Galesburg, to Berthol and Eugenia (Greene) Taylor. He married Elizabeth Ann Black, on July 31, 1958, in Burlington, Iowa. He later married Cynthia Dianne Eaves.
Surviving are three daughters, Beverly (and CJ) Pendleton of Galesburg, Debra Taylor of Galesburg, and Michelle (and Gerald) Smith of Las Vegas, Nevada; a brother, Robert (and Helen) Taylor of Galesburg; three sisters, Marilyn Haynes of Galesburg, Christine (and Clinton) Haynes of Galesburg, and Shirley Wallace of Galesburg; eight grandchildren, Nicole, Isaiah, Lyric, Kaevahn, Derrick, Michael, Alayna, and Jared; 12 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, James Taylor; three sisters, Elizabeth Taylor, Betty Weeks, and Delores Taylor; and two grandchildren, William Taylor II, and Jeremy Tatum.
Mr. T attended Galesburg High School. He worked for Amtrak then OMC Gale Products, Admiral Manufacturing Company, and as a manager at Cottage Hospital. His true passion was cooking. He owned and operated Mr. T’s restaurant for many years. Later, he worked construction for the Laborer’s Union 538. He attended the Israel of God’s Church and Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Galesburg. He enjoyed cooking and fishing. Most of all, Mr. T loved spending time with his family.
Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 29, 2022, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with Rev. Toby Carlos officiating. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family to establish a memorial fund. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
