Obituary

William Alfonso Taylor (August 3, 1944 - May 8, 2024)

William Alfonso Taylor (August 3, 1944 - May 8, 2024)

William Alfonso Taylor (Bill Taylor or “BT” as he was affectionately called) of Hephzibah, Georgia was 79 when he died on May 8, 2024 in Cumming, Georgia from complications related to pneumonia.

Born in Atlanta in 1944 to Alfonso and Marinda Taylor, Bill soon moved to Chicago, Illinois where he was raised. Bill graduated from Paul L. Dunbar High School in Chicago and attended Wilbur Wright City College until he served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967 in Saigon, Vietnam.

Bill rose to fame as a radio disc jockey with WLOU in Louisville and WNOV in Milwaukee. Later, he left his mark on Milwaukee as a reporter and anchor for WTMJ-4 where he co-produced the popular series, “Positively Milwaukee,” and covered Wisconsin stories in Ghana, Somalia, Israel, and Germany. He retired in 2001 and was recognized for his contributions with a Silver Circle (Emmy) award in 2012 by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for his years of service with the Chicago/Midwest Chapter.

Bill was predeceased by his loving parents, Alfonso and Marinda, and his brother, Reginald Taylor. He is survived by his bride of 56 years, Daphne Taylor; six children: Danae Davis, Andrea Davis, Kim Robinson, Kwame Taylor, Kwao Taylor, and Akua Taylor; 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; cousin Emory Holmes, niece Ayanna Taylor and nephew Omari Taylor. Bill will be remembered by dozens of colleagues and friends in many cities.

A memorial celebration of Bill Taylor's life will be held on his birthday, August 3, 2024, at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum, located at 2620 W. Center St. Milwaukee, WI 53206. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum at wbhsm.org/bill-taylor. The family extends heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of prayers and condolences from the community.