In Memory Of
Donald Taylor
1940
2019
Donald Taylor
June 16, 1940 — May 14, 2019
Donald Taylor, 78, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2019.
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal
but love leaves a memory no one can steal"
Donald Edward Taylor was born June 16, 1940 in Louisville, Kentucky born to the union of the late James Levy and Ethel Harris Taylor. He was the youngest son of seven children, five sisters and one brother. Four of his sisters preceded him in death—Roberta, Grace, Tiny, and Doris.
Don received his education in Louisville Jefferson County Public Schools. He graduated from Central High School in 1958 where he was a drum major in the Central High School Band. After graduating High School he joined the United States Navy. While in the Navy Don married and from that union the loves of his life were born, two daughters, Angela and Donna Taylor. During Don's tenure in the Navy, he formed a musical group and was the lead singer. He and his group were called on to perform for many of the Navy functions.
Upon returning home from the Navy, Don gained employment from many different companies. The most memorable company for his children was when he worked for Frito Lay and would drive down their street giving bags of chips to all the kids! Don was a man who always worked hard to achieve his greatest potential and did his best to be an example to his daughters. Therefore when Don became the foreman at a Louisville Tobacco Plant, he didn't stop there, he worked harder and gained a management trainee position at Sears and Roebuck and Co. Within the company, he was promoted to Equal Employment Opportunities Director. He got great satisfaction from interacting with employees and customers at Sears. His demeanor never changed even when he became a store manager at Target, he always treated people the way he would like to be treated. Don would spend time after hours pursuing his musical passion.
Don was a spectacular singer with a flowing personality as an entertainer, he sang in many venues and for various events. He also recorded with the Grammy Award Winning Nashville Brass, and was the opening act for Loretta Lynne, The Platters, and the Manhattans to name a few. He was a recording artist and recorded many original songs that were played on several radio stations, that eventually landed him an opportunity to sign a recording contract. Don was a family man and made the difficult decision to keep his family first while keeping music as an important hobby.
Donnie loved the Lord with all his heart and chose singing in the choir as a perfect way to praise and give honor to Him. He also sang as a lead vocalist for The Voices of Zion, which was a Gospel Choir that traveled throughout many counties within Kentucky. His rendition of the gospel song, "Peace Be Still," with his beautiful tenor voice, would stir an audience to get out of their seats and experience the presence of the Lord.
Donnie always had a smile on his face which was infectious and caused others to smile in return. To him it didn't matter what age or color you were, he treated everyone with love and respect.
One short story we would like to share, and it comes from Amanda. Amanda thought of Don as her grandfather. Amanda grew up on a farm and had never seen an automatic garage door. Don would hold her up to his kitchen window and to her delight he would show her how he could open and close the garage door with MAGIC! This story is just an example of the kind of person Don Taylor was. If he could make someone happy, smile, or laugh then that was indeed a great day.
Donnie leaves to cherish his memories, daughters—Angela and Donna Taylor; sister, Bertha Tharpe (Willie); brother, James Taylor; grandchildren, George Taylor-Sims (Nefertari), Wayne Taylor-Sims; great grandchildren, Camden and Kenyon; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. He also leaves a companion whom held a special place in his heart, Kathrlyn Wallace.
Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Stoner Memorial AME Zion Church, (1127 W. Oak Street Louisville, KY 40210).
His funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, at Stoner Memorial AME Zion Church (1127 W. Oak Street Louisville, KY 40210) with burial to follow at 2:00 pm at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central (2501 North Dixie Blvd Radcliff, KY 40160).
To leave a special message for the family please use the "Share Memories" portion below.
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal
but love leaves a memory no one can steal"
Donald Edward Taylor was born June 16, 1940 in Louisville, Kentucky born to the union of the late James Levy and Ethel Harris Taylor. He was the youngest son of seven children, five sisters and one brother. Four of his sisters preceded him in death—Roberta, Grace, Tiny, and Doris.
Don received his education in Louisville Jefferson County Public Schools. He graduated from Central High School in 1958 where he was a drum major in the Central High School Band. After graduating High School he joined the United States Navy. While in the Navy Don married and from that union the loves of his life were born, two daughters, Angela and Donna Taylor. During Don's tenure in the Navy, he formed a musical group and was the lead singer. He and his group were called on to perform for many of the Navy functions.
Upon returning home from the Navy, Don gained employment from many different companies. The most memorable company for his children was when he worked for Frito Lay and would drive down their street giving bags of chips to all the kids! Don was a man who always worked hard to achieve his greatest potential and did his best to be an example to his daughters. Therefore when Don became the foreman at a Louisville Tobacco Plant, he didn't stop there, he worked harder and gained a management trainee position at Sears and Roebuck and Co. Within the company, he was promoted to Equal Employment Opportunities Director. He got great satisfaction from interacting with employees and customers at Sears. His demeanor never changed even when he became a store manager at Target, he always treated people the way he would like to be treated. Don would spend time after hours pursuing his musical passion.
Don was a spectacular singer with a flowing personality as an entertainer, he sang in many venues and for various events. He also recorded with the Grammy Award Winning Nashville Brass, and was the opening act for Loretta Lynne, The Platters, and the Manhattans to name a few. He was a recording artist and recorded many original songs that were played on several radio stations, that eventually landed him an opportunity to sign a recording contract. Don was a family man and made the difficult decision to keep his family first while keeping music as an important hobby.
Donnie loved the Lord with all his heart and chose singing in the choir as a perfect way to praise and give honor to Him. He also sang as a lead vocalist for The Voices of Zion, which was a Gospel Choir that traveled throughout many counties within Kentucky. His rendition of the gospel song, "Peace Be Still," with his beautiful tenor voice, would stir an audience to get out of their seats and experience the presence of the Lord.
Donnie always had a smile on his face which was infectious and caused others to smile in return. To him it didn't matter what age or color you were, he treated everyone with love and respect.
One short story we would like to share, and it comes from Amanda. Amanda thought of Don as her grandfather. Amanda grew up on a farm and had never seen an automatic garage door. Don would hold her up to his kitchen window and to her delight he would show her how he could open and close the garage door with MAGIC! This story is just an example of the kind of person Don Taylor was. If he could make someone happy, smile, or laugh then that was indeed a great day.
Donnie leaves to cherish his memories, daughters—Angela and Donna Taylor; sister, Bertha Tharpe (Willie); brother, James Taylor; grandchildren, George Taylor-Sims (Nefertari), Wayne Taylor-Sims; great grandchildren, Camden and Kenyon; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. He also leaves a companion whom held a special place in his heart, Kathrlyn Wallace.
Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Stoner Memorial AME Zion Church, (1127 W. Oak Street Louisville, KY 40210).
His funeral service will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, at Stoner Memorial AME Zion Church (1127 W. Oak Street Louisville, KY 40210) with burial to follow at 2:00 pm at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central (2501 North Dixie Blvd Radcliff, KY 40160).
To leave a special message for the family please use the "Share Memories" portion below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Taylor, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Interment
Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central 2:00 pm
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