Willie Lee Taylor was born on March 14, 1949 to Annie Lee Taylor in Bolivar County, MS.  Willie, a quiet, hardworking and caring person, departed this life on Monday, August 11, 2025.

As a product of the Cleveland School District, Willie began his educational journey at H.M. Nailor and completed his journey as a proud graduate of East Side High School's class of 1969.

Willie was baptized at an early age and joined Old St. Phillip Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. L.R. Skipper.  As a member of Old St. Phillip, Willie served faithfully as the Superintendent of Christian Education, a Trustee, a Deacon, and a silent member of the male choir until his health started to decline.

Known to many as Sonny and to some as Nip, Willie was quiet in words but strong in action.  Between D&L and Quality Steel, Willie dedicated 45 years of his life to the manufacturing industry before retiring from Quality Steel in 2014.

Willie was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Ora D. Taylor, his mother, Annie Taylor Jones, one brother, Ruben Pulliam, two sisters, Katherine Walker and Beverly Pulliam Scott, and his grandson, Edward Wade, Jr.

Willie leaves in love, three sons; Willie C. Taylor (Markeisha) of San Antonio, TX, Simuel K. Wade of Cleveland, MS and Edward Wade, Sr. of Atlanta, GA; one brother, Leroy Pulliam (Mary) of Baton Rouge, LA; two sisters, Glenda Pulliam of Cleveland, MS and Rosanna Thompson (William) of Greenwood, MS; one sister-in-law, Lula Pulliam of Renova, MS; one aunt, Verline Davis of Memphis, TN; one uncle, W.C. Taylor of West Memphis, AR; two grandsons, Zylan Taylor of Biloxi, MS and Zachariah Taylor of San Antonio, TX as well as a host of additional family and friends.