Willie Frank Taylor was born on December 12, 1944 in Jasper, Florida to the late Walter James and Verna Mae Phillips Evans. During his adolescent years, he was raised in White Springs, Florida by his father and stepmother, Rosa James.

At an early age, Willie Frank made his confession of faith. He was blessed with the talent of being a gifted musician and exemplified his love for Christ by volunteering his music ministry to many churches.

He received his early education at JRE Lee School and subsequently graduated with the Class of 1963. He later received as Associates Degree from Lake City Community College and acquired employment with the Department of Corrections. In 1967, Willie Frank enlisted in the United States Army where he served during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged and awarded a Purple Heart combat medal.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers: Dorsey Sowell, Herbert Sowell, Terrance James, and Willis James; and one sister: Connie Dean Sowell Simon.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories one son: Gregory (Marva) Taylor, Jr. of Jasper, Florida; one daughter: Sheryl Lynn Taylor of Lake Park, Georgia; five sisters: Mary Evans Atkins of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Cynthia Sowell of Jasper, Florida, Mary (Ray) Ashley of Ladson, South Carolina, Gloria (Lee) Edwards of Florence, South Carolina, and Elsie James of Charleston, South Carolina; nine brothers: Alonzo (Pearl) Sowell, Brent Sowell, and Glenn Sowell, all of Jasper, Florida, Donnie Sowell of Laurel, Maryland, Carl Sowell of San Antonio, Texas, Leonard Phillips of Gainesville, Florida, Bruce (Sonja) Phillips of Wilmington, Delaware, Jake (Ruthie) James of White Springs, Florida, and Walter (Johnnie Carroll) James of Jacksonville, Florida; four grandchildren: Gakeira (James) Ash of Tallahassee, Florida, Gregory Taylor, Jr. of Alamo, Georgia, and Nicolas Taylor and Nicole Taylor, both of Lake Park, Georgia; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.