General Taylor was born in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on July 17, 1936, to the union of Nellie and General Taylor, Sr.; both preceded him in death. He attended St. John’s Elementary School and Castle Hill High School in Tuscaloosa before joining the Armed Forces at the age of 17. A veteran of the Vietnam War, General served honorably around the world in the United States Navy until his retirement. At that time, he chose to take up residence in the city of Oak Harbor with his wife, Maggie Taylor. She preceded him in death in 1997.

To further his education, General attended Skagit Valley College and received his GED with completion of many other courses. He was active with the Civil Service as a fireman until his health began to fail. Due to his failing health, he made the choice to retire, giving him more time to explore his hobbies. They include painting, drawing, fishing, working on cars and purchasing tools.

General enjoyed the constant companionship of his “adopted” sister Elizabeth Richardson Harris. She preceded him in death in 2005.

He is survived by three sons: Anthony Lott of Oak Harbor, John Ford of Maple Valley, and Morgan (Alicia) Taylor of Freeland; two daughters: Suzie Best of Oak Harbor, Myrna (Robert) Collins of Renton, Wash.; five grandchildren: Aishia Ford of Renton, Johnny Ford and Jerome Ford of Oxford, Ill., Jordan and Camrin Taylor of Freeland; professed adoptive son: Alfred (Clara) Johnson and his family of Seatac, Wash.; longtime friends and confidants; Ozell Jackson and Tony Hall; one brother: Michael (Cynthia) Richardson; two sisters: Linda (Jerome) Dunn and Emma Savage, all of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; one aunt: Mollie Holman; cousins: Thomas Holman, Emma Holman, and Brinson Terry (Agnes) of Cincinnati, Ohio; and a host of nieces, nephews, other adopted children and their families, many special friends and acquaintances. The whereabouts of a second brother, Louis Taylor, has been unknown for several years.

General will be remembered for his jocular sense of humor, frugality, congenial personality, charitable spirit, and profound commitment to his family and friends. He was definitely a Man of Honor.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9 at Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor with Reverend Ozell Jackson officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Leaf Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from noon to 5 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon at Burley Funeral Chapel. Memorials have been suggested to Relay for Life. Condolences or personal reflections may be left for the family at www.burleyfuner

alchapel.com.