Billy Joe Taylor 74 of South Charleston, WV left his earthly home to be with his Lord and Savior after a long illness on March 4, 2026. Joe was a kind, giving individual who lived his faith by example, and who dearly loved the mountains and taking day trips with his wife Nancy.

Joe was born April 17, 1951, to the late Harold Joseph Taylor and Glenna Tudor Taylor.

In addition to Joe’s parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved parents-in-law Rev. Eldon and Ella Fitzwater, brother in-laws Rev. Mike Fitzwater, Rev. Robert Mullins, and Mark Lanham.

He was a member of Faith Baptist Church of St. Albans where he served as Deacon and Trustee for many years as well as Sunday School Superintendent. Recently, Joe attended Independent Missionary Baptist Church of Alum Creek, prior to his illness.

Joe was a 1972 and 1985 graduate of WVU Tech in Montgomery, WV. He retired from Union Carbide and Mullen Plumbing. Joe was the former owner of Taylor Heating and Cooling.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 53 years, Nancy, and son B.J. Taylor (Kris). Siblings Brenda Walton (Ron), and Debbie Mullins. Sister in-laws Janet Dunlap (Dennis), Jackie Lanham, Phyllis Fitzwater and Mary Fitzwater and special niece Katie Fitzwater as well as many loving nephews, nieces and friends who will greatly miss him.

The family would like to extend special recognition and heartfelt thanks to Donald Gillespie, who was always there when help was needed; to his devoted caregiver, Pam Dolin; and to close friend, Kelly Mitchell. Also, a forever sense of gratitude to Thea Evans who was pivotal in getting Joe back to WV from Cleveland after his surgery. Special thanks to Pastor Daniel Dent and his church for all the prayers, cards, and lunches every Tuesday and Evangelist friend Doug Day for all the prayers that went up for Joe across the country.

Service Details – Officiating will be Air Force chaplain, Capt. Matt Lanham and assisting will be Pastor Daniel Dent of Independent Missionary Baptist Church of Alum Creek. Visitation will be Friday, March 13 from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral services, Saturday, March 14 at 11am at Curry Funeral Home, with entombment to follow at Graceland Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Care of Charleston.