James William Taylor, Sr

James W Taylor “Sr. “Bill” was carried by angels into the presence of Jesus on September 25, 2023. He was born in Jackson, MS and lived in Jackson all of his life. In his early teens he worked for the Highway Department then the Postal Telegraph. He served on the USS Antietam during World War II after joining the Navy at barely 18. 

When he returned home after his service,  he learned the building trade from his Uncle Tom Carberry and began building custom homes and remodeling homes. He soon met the love of his life, Lana Wahweece Chapman and shared 77 wonderful years of marriage. Together they had 4 children. He deeply loved his wife, children and grandchildren. In the early 60’s he went to work for Con-Plex as Foreman over the Carpentry shop.  After retiring from Con-Plex he built bridge forms at home until he officially retired. 

Once retired he enjoyed gardening, wood crafting and his grandchildren. He often said the happiest time of his life was the time he had with his grandchildren. He loved gifting his crafts to others.  He was a member of Parkhill Baptist Church for over 50 years and served as a deacon for most of those years. He used his video ministry to share with those who could not attend church. 

He is preceded in death by his son, Michael Taylor Sr. “Mike”, grandson, Shane Taylor, parents, Roy and Muriel Taylor, brothers, Gordon, George and Stanley Taylor, sisters, Sarah Philips and Dorothy Parker. 

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Wahweece Taylor, son James W. Taylor Jr.  “Billy” of Learned MS, daughters Kim Rushing (DeWayne) of Raymond, MS, Lana Fuqua Spitchley (Rick) of Florence, MS, grandchildren,  Michael Taylor, Jr (Malou) of Philadelphia , Paul Taylor (Mary) of Learned, MS, Mellissa Casey (Tim) of Jackson MS, Jeremy Fuqua (Laura) of Madison MS, Josh Fuqua (Kelly) of Brandon MS,  Britney Freeny (Brad) of Clinton MS, 14 great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren and 10 nephews and 12 nieces. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Hickory Ridge Baptist Church Building Fund

319 Hickory Ridge Rd.

Florence, MS 39073

The celebration of Bill Taylor’s life will be Monday, October 2nd at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram Ms. Visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:00 am and the service following at 11:00 am. Bro. Terry Fant will officiate the service.  He will be laid to rest at Jessamine Cemetery in Ridgeland Ms.