William “Bill” W. Taylor, Jr 

William “Bill” W. Taylor, Jr 

1938-2023 

Bill Taylor burst onto the world on Christmas day, December 25, 1938, in Johnson City, Tennessee to proud parents Jane Simmons and William W. Taylor, Sr. 

Bill enjoyed a nomadic childhood as his father was a commission salesman moving from one position to the next, thus from city to city; and, because he was always on the lookout for a better house to rent. It wasn’t unusual for Bill to move several times in the same city. As a result, Bill lived in Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia and Kentucky throughout his early life. His parents ensured he received a good Catholic education from first to twelfth grade. Bill graduated from St. Xavier High School in 1956. He achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Sociology from Western Kentucky in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1963. He was a proud “Hilltopper” his whole life. 

Upon graduation from Western Kentucky, he joined his parents who had relocated to San Francisco, California. It was in California where he settled into a career with The Travelers Insurance Company beginning in the Property-Casualty department and then moving to the group health claims department. 

In 1973, The Travelers transferred him to Houston, Texas where he rapidly was promoted to Assistant Manager in charge of the Shell Oil Company account. He remained with The Travelers (Citigroup) until 1994. By this time, he had transferred to the group sales department where he was named the Regional Customer Service Manager for many major companies/ accounts. He completed close to 30 years of employment with Travelers (Citigroup). 

In 1994, Bill relocated to New Mexico when he accepted a management position with the Presbyterian Health Plan. He became the manager of the health plans for all of the State of New Mexico employees … often traveling across the state for enrollment meetings as well as meetings conducted in Santa Fe. 

After six years with Presbyterian, he moved to United Healthcare where he again was in charge of the Shell Oil account. 

Bill competed his working career with the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Care Department retiring at the age of 80. 

He received awards and accolades from all his employers. 

Bill was a life-long avid reader — always a book in hand- and loved singing, dancing, and music. He had an early experience singing in a choir and was not shy about singing in public … he did so often not only in venues in the United States but also internationally. His music choices were eclectic- ranging from gospel, country western, to rock ‘n roll. He especially liked Elvis Presley and John Denver. As a dancer, he was proud of winning a Twist contest in early life and entertained many people throughout the rest of his life with his twist renditions. 

Bill was also a good athlete. As an adult, he participated in a variety of sports … tennis, men’s softball, bowling, and golfing. He won trophies in all of them. He also loved sailing and had many fun but adventurous expeditions in boating. 

But perhaps Bill’s greatest gift was his warm, kind, witty and engaging personality. He loved life and people. He was charming and easily captured the hearts of people. He loved to make others laugh and feel good about themselves. He was always smiling, positive and never harbored a negative thought about a person. If he saw someone suffering, he often said “There for the grace of God go I.” He was a happy person and shared that happiness with children and people of all ages. 

Bill loved his family dearly and is survived by his wife of 44 years, Beth; son, Bill Ill and wife Tammy; daughter Anjanette Martinez, husband Paul; grandchildren, Alexis and Jenna as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws. We all loved him dearly and miss his happy, exuberant personality. The world was a better place because Bill Taylor lived in it!!! 

Please join us for services that will be held at Noblin Funeral Service, 418 W. Reinken, Belen, NM, on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. 

Reception to be held immediately following at Tierra del Sol club in Rio Communities. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bill’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis Tn. 38105 

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., 505-864-4448, where an online guest register is available at noblin.com.