Abbott Everett Taylor was born January 10, 1940 in Benton Harbor, MI to the late Robert J. Taylor, Sr. (1996) and Annie Mae Taylor (2013).  To this union, he was the 7th of 9 children with 6 sisters and 2 brothers.  Later he was blessed with another sister.  Abbott was known to most by his nickname “Buck” that was given to him by a very good friend of his mother’s, Auntie Mary.

Abbott was preceded in death by 2 children, Tanya Taylor (1959), Eric Taylor (1996), and 2 brothers, Allen H. Taylor (1984), Robert J. Taylor, Jr. (1996).

Buck completed his education in Benton Harbor and graduated in 1958 from Benton Harbor High School.  He served in the U.S. Air Force 8 years where he was awarded the Air Force Longevity Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.  After the military, he held various jobs before joining the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department where he retired as Lieutenant in 1995.  Buck fostered his entrepreneurial spirit by starting multiple ventures such as a BBQ truck, breeding dogs, and was the first black Private Investigator in Berrien County.

As a teenager, he boxed with his brothers Allen and Bob at the Naval Armory in the Golden Glove.  Later he trained his oldest son, Shon, with his brothers Allen and Bob as part of the Police Athletic League (PAL).  Abbott was a big part of PAL obtaining equipment, uniforms, and even cheerleaders from 4H switched to PAL, which eventually included his two younger daughters, Sherry and Enrika.  He took the team to the nation’s largest African American Parade, Chicago’s Bud Billiken parade where they proudly marched in boxer’s gear with cheerleaders.

Abbott had a great compassion for dogs throughout his life. Not just with animals, with everything and everybody his compassion was interwoven in every aspect of his life.  Compassion was a part of his character, his foundation.  He enjoyed fellowshipping with family and friends.  He loved to cook.  His ribs were one of everyone’s favorite.

As his nieces and nephews can attest, Abbott enjoyed being Uncle Buck and didn’t hesitate to administer spankings without prejudice.  He was a favorite Uncle and adored by his nieces and nephews who talked about him, catered to him, and respected him tremendously.

Through his relationships and marriages, Abbott had 15 children.  His sense of inclusion was especially reflective when it came to his children.  He made sure his children knew each other and built relationships amongst themselves.  When called upon by his children, he was present, available, and willing to do what was needed.  In later years, he bestowed the same grace on his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

To cherish his loving memory, he leaves his wife, Corinne Taylor of Benton Harbor, MI; 9 daughters: Debra (Michael) Price of Jacksonville, NC, Lana Taylor of Phoenix, AZ, Bettina (Nelson) Daniel of Los Angeles, CA, Annette Taylor of Kansas City, KS, Sherri (Charles) Cooper of Raytown, MO, Traci Adih of Kalamazoo, MI, Missy Miller of Brooklyn, NY, Sherry Thomas and Enrika (Anthony) Veal of Indianapolis, IN; 4 sons: Shon Taylor, Wayne (Brenda) Miller, Jack (Kandy) Taylor all of Benton Harbor, MI, and Michael (Dierdra) Miller of Canton, OH; 42 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren; 7 sisters:  Ida M. Rellis, Zenovia R. Coates, Lorraine B. Watson, Rita Taylor all of Benton Harbor, MI, Bernice (Arthur) Cain of Highland Park, MI, Delores J. Singleton of Grand Rapids, MI, Laura A. Franklin of Lansing, MI along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was the best son, brother, uncle, husband, son-in-law, brother-in-law, father, grandfather, cousin, co-worker, and friend.  He fought a good fight, ran a good race, shared his wisdom, and kept the faith.

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