Wendell F. Taylor, Sr.

Wendell Franklin Taylor Sr was born August 12, 1940 in Homer Louisiana to Myles and Daisy Taylor. Wendell was the youngest of 11 siblings. Wendell gave his life to Christ at an early age and lived a powerful, strong and impactful love relationship with Christ ever since. Wendell lived life to the fullest in his younger years, as well as his latter. His smile, laughter, encouragement and wisdom has always been angelic and a fresh warmth to all. He loved people unconditionally, and cared for people wherever they were in their season of life. Wendell moved to San Francisco California the summer 1959 to go to college and play baseball. That summer he met Faye, and that’s where their wonderful life journey together began. On January 25, 1962, Wendell married his best friend and sweetheart Faye. Their marriage has been a great testament and display of God’s Amazing Grace and how putting Christ at the center, before each other, brought them closer and kept their marriage alive. Their wonderful marriage union brought 4 amazing children; Wendell Jr, Paula, Angelique and Lani. Wendell was the embodiment of Proverbs 22:6, along with Faye, raising their children up in the way they should go. They have not only raised their 4 children, they have raised grandchildren, had a hand in raising nieces and nephews, and many other young individuals. Wendell, ‘Pops’, as he was affectionately referred to by many, has mentored hundreds of people over his amazing 83 years. Although he worked a traditional job, his Christlike character was something he lived out personally and professionally. While serving in the children’s ministry, working as a chef at Youth Guidance Center in San Francisco, YMCA Head Start in Rodeo, and Smokerise Elementary in Stone Mountain Ga, he was living his call and assignments. In all places, he was truly a living example of being the hands and feet of Jesus. Lives were impacted daily because of his presence. There are so many countless times Wendell has given a smile, a word of encouragement or wisdom to someone that we don’t even know about. He was always humble and selfless and never wanted nor needed accolades or a stage for who he was or what he did. Wendell has always had a father’s heart and was a father figure to so many over the years. He enjoyed being a husband and father; a basketball dad; a cheerleader dad, and always a lender of a listening ear to family and friends. He was a true leader, wise counsel, wisdom giver, and the best text message sender ever!! And that list goes on and on. Most of all he enjoyed taking care of his family and making his home a place of peace and love for all. Wendell was a true man of faith and his ministry stretched far and wide throughout his years. Early on he served as a Sunday school teacher, as a deacon, a marriage and relationship coach alongside his wife and co-lead Couples in Covenant with Faye and led a men’s group for over 15 years. He also coached basketball, baseball and was always encouraging from the sidelines. Wendell’s love for sports was evident. He loved his San Francisco Bay Area teams: the SF 49ers, The Golden State Warriors and the SF Giants. He not only loved these teams, he also loved talking sports and watching college football, basketball and horse racing. Wendell “Pops” Taylor Sr. was called home to rest with the Lord on December 20, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, ten siblings, and daughter Angelique Badger. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 61 years; Faye Taylor, son; Wendell Taylor Jr, two daughters; Paula Taylor and Lani Valentine, two sons in law: Mike Badger Sr. and Nelson Valentine. One daughter in law (Denise Taylor), 17 grandchildren, one granddaughter in law, 12 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, one goddaughter, one sister: Daisy Pierson, a host of nieces, nephews, a very special and dedicated Men’s Group, and an overwhelming number of relatives, spiritual children, and close friends. Celebration of Life for Mr. Wendell Taylor will be held at Mountain West Church 4818 Hugh Howell Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30087 on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 1:00 PM. Visitation for Mr. Taylor will be the same day as the service, 2 hours prior to the time of the service, starting at 11:00AM- 1:00PM. Please express your condolences here on our website. Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, Gwinnett Chapel, 914 Scenic Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 30045 (770) 338-5558.

Tributes

Wendell F. Taylor, Sr.

August 12, 1940 - December 20, 2023