William Taylor
July 13, 1932 - October 11, 2015
Obituary
MADISON-William "Willie" Taylor, age 83, of Madison passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015. He was born in Macon, MS, the son of Edna Riley and William Taylor. Willie was the first African American teacher in the Madison School System where he taught physical education for over 30 years. Softball was a big part of Willie's life where he excelled as a pitcher and instructor. He was an inductee into the Wisconsin Softball Hall of Fame. Willie was a gentleman who understood and respected women. He loved children and children loved him. He loved students and students loved him. He was an avid fisherman with his favorite spot being at the ferry in Merrimac. Willie was also an excellent cook, known for his award winning ice cream. Willie is survived by his son, Calvin Taylor; daughters, Diana Taylor and Molinda Taylor Henry; grandchildren, Maurice and DeTania Childs, Kahil Taylor and Emuye Taylor Reynolds, Major and Myriah Latimer and Lynita Taylor; a host of great-grandchildren; and a brother, Albert Taylor. He was preceded in death by his mother, Edna; his father, William; and son, Maurice. A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015, with a time of sharing stories at 4:30 p.m. "His life was like a pebble in a pond. The ripples in his life touching many lives." Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Celebration of Life
Sat Oct 24, 2015 @ 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of William have been shared yet.
Memories
LS
Leo Cross Sr
Other •
Thoughts and prayers go out to Willies family. Great softball pitcher and
instructor. My last time at. bat as a softball player myself was on Labor
day weekend in 1976. in the Springfield. Softball Tournament and
Willie struck me out.
WS
William Schwoegler
Other •
Willie was one of my favorite people and a good bowler too! I haven't seen him for quite a while but I think he moved a little further up north. I bowled in the Tiger League with him and every time I would see him, he would give me that very unique laugh and a big hug. He was just one heck of a guy and I'm sure he will be missed. God Bless you all! .....Bill Schwoegler
BC
Betsy Christians
Other •
To Mr. Taylor's family: He will be missed. Your dad and grandfather was one of the best teachers I had. We were lucky to have him as a teacher at Thoreau School and Dudgeon School. Mr. Taylor challenged us and let us figure out that we could be athletes, to the best of our abilities. Girls, boys, didn't matter -- everyone had access to his time and coaching. He introduced us to gymnastics (this was before the 1972 Olympics, when most of America first learned about gymnastics), a sport that I quickly loved and continued for years. When my own daughter was lucky enough to come across a couple of coaches that were a great fit for her, I often thought of Mr. Taylor. Thanks to his children, for giving up their time with their dad, as I know he put in many hours outside of school. Betsy Christians
JV
John Vincent
Other •
"Mr T", as we called him when he was my gym teacher in early 60s, was a great teacher, who became a friend for life. Quick with his smile and laugh, it was always special when our paths crossed. RIP Mr T!
JB
Jackie (Taylor) Bowe
Other •
Mr. Taylor was a wonderful teacher. His love for his job and the children he taught was truly felt by all. I had the honor of his teaching and guidance in the late 60"s at Gompers School. He was a great gymnastics coach and pushed us to be our best. He will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have had Mr. T in their life. My Sympathies to all and God Bless. Jackie (Taylor) Bowe
LC
Lisa Sorenson Cook
Other •
I am writing on behalf of the Thoreau Class of 1982; we were just sharing fond memories of "Mr. T" on our Facebook page and we wanted to express our gratitude to his family. In the 70's Mr. Taylor taught us dance moves such as "The Hustle" to mix up our gym class! We played soccer baseball, red rover and many other fun games to encourage physical fitness. He is quoted as being "the BEST teacher EVER" and we are thankful we had him in our lives. Our sympathies to his family, we are thinking of you. RIP, Mr. T, thanks for all you did for us as young kids at Thoreau!