Bill Gene Taylor

Billy Gene Taylor, 75, left to be in the loving arms of Jesus, on Sunday July 15, 2018 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Michigan City, IN. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel – 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, MI. Bill was born Sept. 2, 1942 in Bridgman, MI to the late Eugene and Erma (Mendenhall) Taylor. Bill was a 1960 graduate of New Buffalo High School, and upon graduation enlisted into the U.S Air Force serving 4 years as an aircraft jet mechanic. Thereafter he was employed at Joy Manufacturing as a machinist for 28 years, followed by Weldun in Bridgman, Rosback in St. Joseph and Vickers in Three Oaks. On December 11th he married the love of his life, soulmate and best friend Linda Hardaway, and they resided in New Buffalo, MI where they raised 3 children – Timothy Taylor, Regina (Taylor) Sorter and Michael Taylor. Bills greatest joy in life outside of his family was serving on the New Buffalo City Volunteer Fire Department for 44 years – 18 of those as Chief. Bills was very proud of his community, residents and family, and never met a stranger. Chances are if you were ever looking for him, you’d find him down at the fire station, or on his patio cranking out his secret homemade ice cream for his grandkids. Bill was also a proud member of the New Buffalo American Legion Post #169. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years Linda; children – Tim (Jeff), Gina “Reggie” (Doug) and Mike (Terri); 6 grandchildren – Tyler Sorter, Kayla Sorter and Jacob Sorter, Kyle Taylor, Sierra Gorbonosenko and Caitlin Taylor; 3 great grandchildren – Willoh Taylor, Lana Gorbonosenko and Adelynn Russell, and blessed to have a fourth in December. Also survived by siblings Barbara (Drew) Dingus, Alvin (Marge) Taylor, Phillis (Jim) Peterson, Robin (Tom) Bouton; as well as many nephews, nieces and cousins. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sat. July 21, 2:00PM at Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo with Pastor James Bouslog officiating. Visitation precedes the service from 11:00AM-2:00PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Buffalo City Volunteer Fire Department. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com