A Time to Be Born
William Moses Taylor was born in Bethel, North Carolina on April 22, 1935. He was the 12th of 20 children of the late Moses C. Taylor and the late Bertha A. Taylor.
A Time to Learn
William attended the public schools of Norfolk, Virginia. He graduated with honors from Booker T. Washington High School in 1953. After graduation, he attended Norfolk State College. William graduated with honors from the University of South Carolina in 1978 with a B.S. degree in General Studies. Always a life-long learner, he maintained an "A" average from elementary school to college.
A Time to Serve
William joined the United States Air Force in December 1953. During his 20 years of military career, he served as an Engineering Draftsman. He did his basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas. He served at Yokota Air Base, Japan; Hill AFB, Utah; Shaw AFB, South Carolina; Tachikawa Air Base, Japan; Bentwaters Air Base, England; Williams AFB, Arizona; Danang Air Base, Vietnam, and Torrejon Air Base, Spain. He retired from the Air Force in 1974 from Shaw Air Force Base, SC. While serving in the Air Force, he received several awards, including the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. After his retirement, the Federal Government employed him for 21 years with the 363rd Civil Engineering Squadron at Shaw AFB. Retiring in 1996 as Chief of the Planning Section, M&M Carpets employed him from 1996 to 2006 as an Estimator. He was a faithful member of the Pinedale Community Association, a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., and the Sumter branch of the NAACP.
A Time to Love
On May 27, 1961, William united in marriage to his lovely wife, Daphine Lewis of Rembert, SC. Two sweet children, Gregory Andre Taylor and Gwynette Ardel (Carlos) Waters blessed their union. He has three beautiful grandchildren: Shakayla M. Taylor, Taylor G. Waters, and Carlos Waters Jr., and one delightful great-grandson, Kobe Elijah T. Gipson. William and Daphine enjoyed loving and living in many different places such as San Antonio, TX, Colorado Springs, Co., Chandler, Az., England, and Spain. William found so much joy playing and watching sports. Whenever possible, he played golf with his grandson, C.J., ping pong and tennis with anyone who would challenge him, and reading every book he got in his hands. Going to visit his large family in North Carolina and Virginia was so fun and memorable for him. He also loved spending time studying the Bible and holding Bible study with his children, nieces, and nephews. Most of all, he enjoyed worshipping the Lord.
A Time to Worship
William accepted Christ at an early age at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA, where he was active in Sunday school and the Youth program. After returning to Sumter in 1973, he joined the High Hills Missionary Baptist Church, where he remained a faithful member until his passing. William served as an usher and as a trustee before being ordained as a Deacon in 1975. He also served as a member of the Gospel Choir and the Male Chorus. He also taught the Adult Sunday school Class. He exemplified Christ's teachings by the way he lived his life and treated others around him.

A Time to Die
William departed this earthly life on January 26, 2017, at Dorn Veterans Medical Center in Columbia, SC. He leaves to cherish his three sisters: Reverend Ann G. Barnes and Yvonne L. Crandall of Norfolk, VA, and Drs. Bertha (Aubrey) Escoffery of Suffolk, VA; three brothers: McKinley (Florence) Barnes of Wenonah, NJ, Reverend Dr. Alton (Leah) Taylor of Denmark, SC, and Donnie Ray (Maxine) Taylor of Norfolk, VA, three sisters-in-laws: Marie Harris of Dalzell, SC, Thelma (Deacon David Sr.) Scott and Albertha L. Davis of Sumter, SC, and Johnny Mae Lewis of Estelle, SC; Cathy L. Shivers and Marshall Cabbagestalk, godchildren, Deacon John Stafford and family, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by nine brothers: Harvey, Roosevelt, Walter, James, Vance, Jesse, Joseph, Vernon, and Milton; and four sisters: Mary, Laura, Ruth, and Audrey.
A Time to Live Again
He used to say, "Christians should never question if they are going to heaven." We have no question about where our beloved William Moses Taylor is as we celebrate his life today. The nieces used to call him "The Angel." Our hearts have peace knowing he is truly among the angels now.

Public Viewing will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017 from 2-6pm at Job's Mortuary.
Deacon Taylor will be placed in the church on Thursday at 11am for viewing until the hour of service.
Funeral Services will be held on Thurs. Feb. 2 at 12noon at High Hills Missionary Baptist Church, Dalzell, SC with The Reverend Donald Amis, Officiate assisted by Rev. Dr. Sammie D. Simmons, Moderator
Interment will follow in High Hills Baptist Church Cemetery.
Family will be receiving friends at the home at 76 Albert Spears Drive, Sumter