Billy Joe Taylor, 74, of Lorain, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and family on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 following a lengthy illness. Billy Joe was born December 1, 1946 in Andalusia, Alabama. He became a resident of Lorain, Ohio in 1973. He was a member of New Morning Star Primitive Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Douglas Price. Billy Joe retired from Ford Motor Company's Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake after 30 years of service. He was a member of UAW Local 2000. Billy Joe was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, LA Lakers, and all college sports. He enjoyed gardening and he LOVED all forms of lottery. He also loved his dog, 'Blackie.' Billy Joe Taylor will be sadly missed by the love of his life, Anita Taylor (née Flowers) of 30 plus years; his children, Joseph Taylor of Mansfield OH, Sophie (Robert) Standford of Atlanta GA, Latoya Flowers, Andrea Flowers, Anita Hoskins, Jason Hoskins and Gregory (Erika) Hoskins, all of Lorain OH; 16 grandchildren; his brother, Rev. James (Sarah) Ward of Andalusia AL; two special nephews, David Taylor and Anthony Taylor (Marva) and a host of other nieces and nephews; his only uncle, James Taylor of Lorain; two godsons, Danny Hoskins and Paris Huff Jr and other relatives and friends. Billy Joe was preceded in death by whom he loved dearly, his father, King Solomon Ward, mother, Essiemae Taylor, sisters, Minnie P. Foy, Mary Mattos, Patricia Hamilton, Sharon Daniels and Debra Ward, his favorite aunt, Mary Taylor and his loving in-laws, Mother Marcelle and Deacon Willie Flowers. A viewing will be Thursday, October 28th, from 10 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m. at Living Word Church, 2002 E. 28th St., Lorain. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Social distancing and wearing a mask are required. Online condolences at www.brownrobinsonfuneralhome.com

Published by The Morning Journal from Oct. 25 to Oct. 26, 2021.