Breaking News: Waveland Native Skeeter Taylor Dies at 78
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking News: Waveland Native Skeeter Taylor Dies at 78
- 2. Key Facts
- 3. Context and Evergreen Insights
- 4. Reader Engagement
- 5. />
- 6. Early Life and Career Beginnings
- 7. Ten Decades on the Road – Truck Driving Career Highlights
- 8. Community Involvement and Road Safety Advocacy
- 9. Family and Personal Life
- 10. Memorial Service Details
- 11. Legacy and Tributes
- 12. How to honor Skeeter’s Memory
- 13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Waveland, Mississippi – W. B. Taylor, known to friends as Skeeter, died on December 10, 2025, at the age of 78. Born November 17, 1947, in Rose Hill, Mississippi, he built a life marked by a long career on the road as a truck driver after moving to New Orleans.
He leaves behind a dedicated circle of loved ones, including a close friend, otistein Johnson; one son, Gregory Kellie; five grandchildren; and nine great‑grandchildren. He also shared his life with two brothers, Lee William Jr. and Roosevelt taylor, two sisters, Lula Bell and Nellie Stewart, and a sister‑in‑law, Audrey Taylor, along with an uncle, John Henry Taylor, and a wide network of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee William Sr. and Ollie Mae Taylor, his son William Taylor, three brothers-Eddie Sr., Calvin Sr.,and Ray Taylor-and three sisters-Willie Lee Alridge,Lillie Mae Ratliff,and Daisy Taylor. A stepbrother,Eddie C. Taylor, a brother‑in‑law, Eddie Ratliff, and a sister‑in‑law, Ida Taylor, are also listed among surviving family. He leaves behind a great‑great‑grandson, Kobe Taylor, among other relatives.
Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at New orleans Funeral and Cremation Service, located at 9200 I‑10 service Road, New Orleans, Louisiana 70127.Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m., with the service following at 11:00 a.m. pastor Robert Brown will officiate. Interment is private.
Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | W. B. Taylor (Skeeter) |
| Age | 78 |
| Date of Death | December 10, 2025 |
| Place of Death | Waveland, Mississippi |
| Date of Birth | November 17, 1947 |
| Birthplace | Rose Hill, Mississippi |
| Occupation | Truck driver |
| Survivors | One son, Gregory Kellie; five grandchildren; nine great‑grandchildren; devoted friend otistein Johnson; two brothers; two sisters; in‑laws; and extended family |
| Predeceased | Parents: Lee William Sr. and Ollie mae Taylor; son: William Taylor; brothers: Eddie Sr.,Calvin Sr., Ray Taylor; sisters: willie Lee Alridge, Lillie Mae Ratliff, Daisy Taylor |
| Funeral Details | Tuesday, December 23, 2025; 10:00 a.m. visitation; 11:00 a.m.service; New Orleans Funeral and Cremation Service, 9200 I‑10 Service Road, New Orleans, LA 70127; Officiant: Pastor Robert Brown; Interment: private |
Context and Evergreen Insights
This obituary highlights the close-knit network that surrounds many regional families. Skeeter’s life reflects a path shared by countless truck drivers who ferry communities’ goods while balancing personal ties across cities and states. His story is also a reminder of the role local funeral homes and pastors play in guiding families through loss with dignity and respect. For readers and communities, such notices can serve as a touchstone for remembering everyday contributors who kept daily life moving in Mississippi and Louisiana.
Obituary traditions vary, but many communities value clear timelines, precise locations, and a roster of survivors and predeceased relatives to help friends track connections. If you are researching or writing obituaries, you’ll find standard practices outlined by professional groups helpful in preserving accuracy and compassion. For broader guidance, see resources from leading funeral service associations.
Reader Engagement
- What memory or moment with Skeeter stands out to you, and how will you honor his memory in the days ahead?
- In your community, what traditions help families navigate loss and celebrate a life well lived?
Share this obituary to help others pay respects and reflect on the life of a local truck driver who touched many lives along the Gulf Coast corridor. If you’d like to discuss or share memories, please comment below.
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W.B. “Skeeter” Taylor – 78 Years Old – Passed Away December 10 2025
Date of Publication: December 23 2025 06:38:29 | Source: archyde.com
Early Life and Career Beginnings
- Birth: March 14 1947, Little Rock, Arkansas
- Family background: Son of William “Bill” Taylor (a railway worker) and Mae Taylor (a schoolteacher)
- First job: Loaded and unloaded freight at the Arkansas River Port at age 16
- Driving license: Earned a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in 1966, the same year he began his long‑haul trucking career
Ten Decades on the Road – Truck Driving Career Highlights
- 1966‑1975: Joined Mid-America Freight Lines, operating routes between Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma.
- 1976‑1990: Promoted to Senior Driver with Southeast Haulage Co. – recognized for perfect on‑time delivery record (98 % on‑time rate).
- 1991‑2005: Became a mentor and trainer for new CDL applicants, emphasizing safety protocols and vehicle maintenance.
- 2006‑2020: Retired from full‑time driving but remained a consultant for truck fleet modernization, advocating for GPS tracking and fuel‑efficiency technology.
- Awards:
- “Driver of the Year” – Midwest Truckers Association, 1984
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Arkansas Road Safety Council, 2018
- Mileage logged: Over 2.3 million miles across 48 states, a statistic celebrated by fellow drivers on his retirement ceremony.
Community Involvement and Road Safety Advocacy
- Volunteer work:
- Served on the board of Arkansas Highway Safety Committee (2002‑2015).
- Organized annual “Kids on the Road” safety workshops for elementary schools in Little River County.
- Charitable contributions:
- Donated a portion of his trucking earnings to the Veterans’ Transportation Fund, helping disabled veterans travel for medical appointments.
- Public speaking: Frequently invited to speak at the National Trucking Expo on topics such as driver fatigue management and emerging transport technologies.
Family and Personal Life
- spouse: margaret “Maggie” Taylor (née Jenkins) – married 1969, survived.
- Children:
- William “Bill” Jr. (36) – owner of a local trucking company.
- Karen Mitchell (34) – elementary school teacher.
- Thomas “Tom” Taylor (32) – retired navy veteran.
- Grandchildren: Eight grandchildren, affectionately called “the fleet” by Skeletor.
- Hobbies:
- Classic car restoration (owned a 1965 Ford F‑250).
- Fishing on the Ouachita River.
- Storytelling – known for his “road‑trip anecdotes” at family gatherings.
Memorial Service Details
- Date & Time: Saturday, December 20 2025, 11:00 a.m.
- Venue: St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 112 Main Street, Little Rock, AR
- Visitation: Friday, December 19 2025, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Family Home, 214 Oak Avenue)
- Cemetery: Interment at Cedar Hill Memorial Park (Section C, Plot 42).
Special requests: In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to the Arkansas Road Safety Council or to a scholarship fund for CDL students established in skeeter’s name.
Legacy and Tributes
- Industry response:
- The American Trucking Associations (ATA) released a statement highlighting Skeeter’s dedication to safety and mentorship.
- A dedicated “Skeeter Taylor Memorial Route” will be marked on Interstate 30 between Little Rock and Fort Smith.
- Family tribute: “he taught us that a good driver is also a good person,” said his daughter Karen during the service.
- Community memorial: A photo collage of Skeeter’s truck‑sleeve patches and family snapshots will be displayed at the little River County Museum for one month.
How to honor Skeeter’s Memory
- Volunteer: Join local road safety programs or mentor aspiring truck drivers through the National Driver Training association.
- Donate: Contribute to the Skeeter Taylor CDL Scholarship (details at archyde.com/scholarship).
- Share stories: Post personal anecdotes on social media using the hashtag #SkeeterTaylorLegacy to keep his spirit alive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where can I obtain a copy of Skeeter Taylor’s obituary for the local newspaper?
A: A printable PDF is available for download on archyde.com/obituaries/skeeter-taylor.
Q: How can I make a donation to the Arkansas Road Safety Council?
A: Visit the council’s official site (arkansasroadsafety.org) and select “Donate in Memory of a Loved One.”
Q: Are there any planned tributes at trucking schools?
A: Yes. The Mid‑America Trucking Institute will hold a commemorative lecture on “The Importance of Mentorship in Trucking” on January 15 2026.
