Retired Slippery Rock University professor and longtime Grove City resident, Dr. William Richard (Bill) Taylor passed away on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, in his residence in Harmony. He was 89 years old.

He was born Sept. 22, 1933, in Joliet, Ill., the son of the Rev. Samuel and Ethelyn (Strasser) Taylor. He attended public schools in Lena and Chicago, Ill., graduating from Englewood High School (an inner-city school) in 1951. He received an undergraduate degree in history from Asbury College, as well as a master’s and Ph.D. in sociology from Purdue University. While a student at Purdue University, he was the supply pastor for two nearby Methodist churches. He attended Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill., for one year.

In the 1950s, Bill served two years in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He was a truck driver for a communication construction unit.

Bill taught at Indiana University in Kokomo, Ind., for six years before joining the faculty of Slippery Rock University in 1967. He was the first chairperson of the department of sociology, anthropology and social work. He also was the associate dean of arts and sciences for a brief period. He was active in the faculty union (APSCUF), serving as the SRU chapter president for six years and later as the chairperson for the grievance committee. Bill retired in 1998 when he became a professor emeritus.

Bill was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Sharon, where he sang in the church choir for 28 years. He was a longtime member of the Bach Society of Grove City.

He is survived by his wife, June Amann Taylor, whom he married on May 25, 1980, at the Church of the Epiphany, Grove City. They have six adult children, Diane Janette Taylor Morsillo and her husband, Guy, of Hurst, Texas; Richard William Taylor (Rick) and his wife, Wendy, of Sutton, Ark.; Teresa Marie Court Giustini (Tessie) and her husband, Richard, of Harmony; Heather Lynn Court Hazelett and husband, Stephen, of Mercer; Seth John Court and Holly Eagan, of Mercer; and Aaron Amann Court and his wife, Christina, of Mercer. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren,

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers and two sisters, Dr. John Taylor and Robert Taylor, and Jeannette Taylor Harris and Catherine Taylor Luce (Katy).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, 226 West State St., Sharon, PA 16146.

TAYLOR — Calling hours for Dr. William Richard (Bill) Taylor, who died Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, will be 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, at J. BRADLEY MCGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 226 W. State St., Sharon.

Interment will be in the church columbarium.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.