Billy Joe Taylor

Billy Joe Taylor, 86, a native of Coffee County born on December 18, 1928, died on April 11, 2015. Billy was the youngest of six children. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers and sisters, Trudie B., J.C., Tessie Ree, Noah and Foy. Billy is survived by one son, Michael S. Taylor (Terri); five grandchildren who were the love of his life, Sarah Kate, Kristian (Lauren), Anna Beth, Amanda, and Sydney, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Billy served his country in the Air Force from September 1951-May 1973 in many locations, such as New Mexico, Germany, New York, Arizona, Florida and Virginia. Billy was a veteran of the Korean War. He was awarded the United States Meritorious Service Medal while assigned to the office of the Secretary of the Air Force from August 1968-July 1972. Following his Air Force career, he was employed by the Department of Veteran Affairs in Montgomery, Alabama as a Veteran’s Benefits Counselor and was the Congressional Liaison Officer for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs upon their retirement from the VA from June 1973-October 1990. He also served on the board of the VA Credit Union.

The family wants to thank Dr. Harold Cox and Dr. Kincer as well as the many other nurses and doctors who provided excellent medical care for Billy while he was in the Neuro step down unit of Baptist South, for the last month and a special thank you to “Miss Hattie” for her compassionate heart.

Graveside services will be held at the Alabama National Cemetery in Shelby County at 10:15 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2015. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday evening at Leak Memory Chapel.

Pallbearers will be Pete Moore, Randy Rankin, Don Cook, James Taylor and Kristian Taylor.

The Honorary Pall bearer is Mike Taylor.