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William's obituary

William Lewis Taylor, Master Gunnery Sergeant USMC, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 1, 2024. He was 76. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sharon Taylor, stepdaughter and stepson, Kristen Astor and Brett Astor (Elizabeth), and two grandchildren (Ray and Juliana). Other survivors include three sisters Linn Dawson (James), Leslie Dunaway (Chris), and Laura Gilliam (Sheldon); brother Curtis (Dixie); numerous wonderful and loving nieces and nephews; and Uncle Burl (Gladys), who is also a Marine veteran.

William “Top” Taylor served in the United States Marine Corps for 27 years, serving in Viet Nam in the late ‘60s and later at various US and overseas duty stations. He was deeply devoted to the Marine Corps. His career highlight was leading a group of stellar Marine Security Guards as their Detachment Commander at the American Embassies in Cairo, Egypt and Paris, France. He felt a lifelong affinity to those marines and to the civilians he served with during that period.

A dear and caring friend to many, Top Taylor was first and foremost a Marine. He will be celebrated with Honors and his ashes inurned at the National Cemetery at Quantico, Virgina on October 11, 2014. Semper Fidelis, Marine.

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Master Gunnery Sgt William "Top" Taylor, Ret