William Gordon Taylor

William Gordon Taylor, 77, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, passed away at his home on May 15, 2025. He left behind a life full of love, hard work, and dedication to the people that mattered most.

Born on December 28, 1947, in Princeton, West Virginia, Billy was the son of the late David Gordon and Nancy Grose Taylor. 

He graduated from Athens High School in 1967 and carried a strong work ethic with a yearning for knowledge that would define the rest of his life.

He was married to his loving wife Joyce Boyd Taylor for nine days shy of their 51st anniversary. She was at his side until his last moment. They raised two children and and his dedication to his family was paramount.

Billy started his career as a machinist at the shipyards in Norfolk, Virginia making parts for Naval ships. Following that, he attended Bluefield State College while working as an inspector for the West Virginia Department of Transportation Division of Highways. He spent 26 in Virginia as an electrician for Island Creek Coal Company. 

In 1996, he moved to Winston-Salem and opened Magnum Car Wash and Lube, the first of several business ventures in that sector. He loved to travel with his wife and children, taking them to 49 states over the years. One of his proudest personal achievements was earning his Private Pilot License. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and skilled marksman.

He is survived by is wife Joyce; son Gordon and wife Erin Taylor; daughter Cheryl and husband Chad Mashni; sister Shirley Fletcher; sister Jettie Burkett; sister Patti and husband Marshall Thomason; and brother Owen and wife Letha Taylor. 

Details on arrangements are being finalized and will follow.