Richard Taylor

TAYLOR, Richard William - Age 86, of Fenton, passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2023 surrounded by family after a long illness.  Funeral services will be held 11:30 AM Friday, April 7, 2023 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton (A live stream of the service will be available on Richard's obituary page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com).  Pastor Steve Clapp officiating.  Burial in Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home Thursday from 4-8 PM.  Those desiring may make contributions to American Cancer Society.

Richard was born October 26, 1936 in Cohoctah, the son of Earl Lavern and Alberta May (Wise) Taylor.  He attended Fenton Schools before entering the U.S. Marine Corps in 1955.  He served with honor as a Sergeant with the 3rd Tank Battalion, 3rd Marine Division (Rear).  Richard had tours of duty in Japan, Lebanon and the Philippines and was Honorably Discharged in 1958.  He married his high school sweetheart, Willie Mae Kershaw, in 1959 and they were married for 64 years.  Following his service with the Marine Corps, he joined General Motors, where he worked for 31 years and retired in 1994.  After retiring at General Motors, he worked part-time for another 25 years at one of his favorite golf courses.

Richard was an exceptional bowler and avid golfer.  He was active in youth baseball, men's softball and hockey, both playing and coaching for many years.  He loved the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings, and would rarely miss watching a game.  His retirement days were spent with family, friends and plenty of time playing golf.

Richard is survived by his wife Willie Taylor; sons, Danny Taylor and wife Lisa and Kenny Taylor and wife Danna; brothers, Jack Taylor and wife Kathy, and David Taylor; grandchildren, Amy Ford, Chad Taylor, Megan Taylor, Madison Taylor; great grandchildren, Sophia, Eliana, Nora, and Briggs; along with many other extended family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Lavern and Alberta May Taylor and sister-in-law, Terry Taylor.  Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.