William Bryan Taylor Jr. “Bill” passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Bill, known to many as W.B., was born on November 23, 1948, in Ardmore, Oklahoma to William Bryan Taylor Sr. and Beulah Lee Dixon. In June of 1971, he met the love of his life, Elaine Marie Houser and they were married for 48 years. They enjoyed boating, water skiing, and motorcycle rides. Bill and Elaine later went on to start their family with the birth of his daughter, Theresa Gregory and son, Bryan Taylor.
Bill received his master’s degree in Criminal Justice Management and Administration from Central State College. Through his hard work for the Oklahoma City Police Department, he earned the Meritorious Service Award before retiring as a Major on January 31, 2007. He continued working for the Oklahoma City Police Department as a civilian, predominately in the 911 center, finally retiring in February of 2017.
Bill also serviced his community and country by entering the United States Air Force Reserves in November of 1972. During his time spent serving in the Air Force Reserves, he earned many accolades and decorations including: The Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Devices, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Unit Award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 5 Devices, the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Devices, the National Defense Service Medal with 2 Devices, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service with 6 Devices, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 1 “M” Device and 3 Devices, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Pistol), the Air Force Training Ribbon with 1 Device, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Bill spent 36 years serving his country all before retiring as a Colonel in November of 2008. Bill was a member of the Reserve Officers Association, the Fraternal Order of Police (Lodge #123), the Air Force Association, and the Retired Police Officers Association.
When he was not working, Bill enjoyed building and tinkering with computers, and spending time with his grandchildren. His proudest moment was when his granddaughter Autumn Gregory graduated from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
Bill is preceded in death by his father, William Bryan Taylor Sr.; mother, Beulah (Dixon) Taylor; brother, Charles and wife Helen Taylor of Wichita, Kansas; sister, Patricia Taylor of St. Louis, Oklahoma; and two brother-in-laws, Lloyd Lambert of McAllen, Texas and Roy Archer of Edmond, Oklahoma.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine Taylor; daughter Theresa Gregory and husband Rocky of Shawnee Oklahoma; son, Bryan Taylor and wife Mignon of Oklahoma City; sister, Carolyn Lambert of McAllen, Texas; sister, Linda Archer of Edmond, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Autumn Gregory, Taylor Samples, Bree Anne Gregory, Cole Gregory, Troy Taylor; nieces, Debbie Worster and husband Robert, Lisa Gardner and husband Bruce; nephews, Monte Archer and wife Andy, and Lloyd Lambert Jr. and wife Cheryl.
Visitation will be on Saturday, January 26, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, January 27, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The funeral service in honor of Bill will be on Monday, January 28, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. All services scheduled will be held at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 8701 N.W. Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73162.
