Obituary of Ronald Taylor

Ronald Taylor age 60, of Monroe went to be with his Lord on Monday, September 21, 2009. Ronald had wonderful wit and an excellent sense of humor. Even through all his battles he could share a smile and pass along a positive comment to someone else. His attitude was an inspiration to all who had contact with him including his family. Ronald especially enjoyed the company of his grandchildren. Ronald had a tremendous love for music. He had a beautiful, deep voice and his talent also extended to the guitar and piano. Ronald was extremely proud of his musical heritage. Ronald's mother, Georgia Bell Turner recorded "Rising Sun Blue's" in 1937 in Middlesboro, Kentucky. The song would later become a 1960's anthem known as "The House of the Rising Sun". He had attended Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe where he had participated in the church choir. Ronald was born July 1, 1949 in Monroe, Michigan to the union of the late Roy Taylor and the late Georgia (Turner) Taylor. After the passing of his father, Edward Connolly married Georgia and provided for the family as his own. He graduated from Monroe High School with the class of 1967. Ron served his country honorably during the Vietnam Conflict overseas in Thailand and Turkey as a member of the United States Army. He was employed for the Laborer's Local 465 for many years prior to taking a medical retirement. Ronald was married to Anne Bodi. Ronald also was a history buff. He enjoyed researching the Civil War and especially Gettysburg, whether through television documentary's or reading. He was proficient in his use of the computer as well. He leaves to cherish his memory three daughters: Shelly Taylor, Sherry Taylor, and Sheila (Rodney) Gilliam all of Monroe; three sisters: W. Faye (Jerry) Stromberger of Monroe, A. Joyce (Tim) Proskie of Hillsdale, and Brenda (Douglas) Stowell of Dundee; two brothers: Reno Taylor of Newport and Robert (Janet) Taylor of Palm Bay, Florida; six grandchildren: Alustriel, Ehlana, and Isaac Owens, Davin Howard, Lucille and Hiram Gilliam; many nieces and nephews; and a close friend who grew up with the family: Marilyn (Dan) Baker of Monroe. His passing was preceded by his parents and stepfather; three brothers: Gillis, Roy "Whitey", and Richard; two sisters: Elizabeth and Barbara (Taylor) Wilson; and a niece: Angela Dawn Farris. Friends may gather from 3:00-8:00pm, Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 where a Celebration of His Life will take place at 2:00pm on Thursday, September 24, 2009. The Rev. Ronald Schultz pastor of Grace Lutheran Church will officiate. Procession will follow to Woodland Cemetery in Monroe for burial. For those desiring to make donations; the Taylor family is suggested: in care of Sherry Taylor. Online words of inspiration and comfort can be made by visiting www.merklefuneralservice.com and then selecting the Life Stories page.