J. Will Taylor

     John William Taylor was born in Albany, Kentucky on July 4, 1942 to Hobert and Addie (McDonald) Taylor, the youngest of their 5 children. After J. Will graduated from Pickett County High School, he attended Tennessee Technological University receiving a master's degree in education. He was an Army veteran, serving 3 years in Germany. He and his wife, Betty, were classmates and reunited in 1968 after John returned home from serving in the Army. They soon fell in love and were married on June 30, 1968. They celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this year.

     J. Will was a teacher and principal well-known for his heavy hand when using his paddle. He retired from the school system and became a Real Estate Agent. He realized it wasn't for him and became a United States Postal Service working in Pickett, Overton, Putnam, and Fentress counties, from which he also retired. His favorite job, though, was being a farmer. He loved being with his family, playing golf, going to church, and taking the grandkids out on the farm. He was kind, a faithful member of the church, had a great sense of humor and was always pulling tricks on people. 

     He will be sadly missed by his sweet wife, Betty, and his entire family. 

     Survived by wife, Betty Jean (Lee) Taylor; children: Vickie and Ronnie; grandchildren: Eric, Jared, Josh and Emily; great-grandchildren: Jake, Aubrey, Grant, Kaden, Wesley, Gus, Jackson, Gritt; sister: Patsy Ledbetter; nieces and nephews: Carol, Diane, Terry, Sherry, Lisa, Jonathan, Debbie, Tami and Tonya.

     Preceded in death by his parents: Hobert and Addie, siblings: Christine, Bob and Alf. 

     Funeral services were held Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM from Brown Funeral Chapel with Bro. Andy Hall officiating. The burial was in Mullins Cemetery with military honors.

     Serving as pallbearers were: Jake Bandy, Eric Bandy, Josh Bandy, Ronnie Bandy, Johnny Lee and Jonathan Taylor.

     Serving as honorary pallbearers were: Emily Rivero, Jared Bandy, Aubrey Bandy, Grant Walker, Kaden Bandy, Wesley Rivero and Gus Bandy. 

     The family will receive friends Saturday from 11:00 AM until service time at 2:00 PM.