It is with great sadness that the TLA advises of the passing of past president, Frank W. (Bill) Taylor, Jr. on April 30, 2021 at Shell Point Retirement Home in Fort Myers, Florida near his home in Sanibel, Florida.
Bill was born November 23, 1931 in Iola, KS to Ruby Stafford Taylor and Frank William Taylor Sr. At Iola High School he played basketball and achieved Eagle Scout Honors. He then went to Iola Junior College for two years, after which he attended the University of Kansas, earning a business degree and membership in Phi Kappa Psi. Upon graduation from KU, he served in the Army and was stationed in Korea. After his service he enrolled in law school at KU and earned his law degree in August 1957. In June 1957 he married Betty Denny in Kansas City, Missouri and joined the law firm Reeder, Griffin and Dysart in 1958. At the firm he concentrated on transportation law and remained there until his retirement. He was a member of the Transportation Lawyers Association, serving as convention chairman at the Del Coronado in San Diego, California in 1978 and as president 1985-1986. In 1995 the Association awarded him its Lifetime Achievement Award, one of its most distinguished honors. Bill belonged to the Rotary Club 13 until 1996 when he and Betty moved to Sanibel.
On Sanibel, he volunteered with the Guardian Ad Litem working with children’s cases. He also volunteered with FISH of Sanibel & Captiva. Bill enjoyed golf, tennis, and especially hand ball. He was a big fan of the Kansas City Royals, the Kansas City Chiefs, and all things KU! Bill is survived by his wife Betty, his brother John of Virginia Beach, VA as well as his children Trasi Sharp (Liza) and Terry Taylor (Susan), and granddaughters Rebecca Taylor and Rachel Tzomides (Alex).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to FISH of Sanibel & Captiva, 2430-B Periwinkle Way Sanibel, FL 33957.