Billy "Gene" Taylor passed away June 12, 2025 in Oklahoma City, OK. He was born March 24, 1937 to Frank and Margie Lou "Lula" Taylor in Sayre, OK, along with his twin brother, Johnny Dean. He had four other siblings, Homer, Ruby, Joe and Betty. The family moved to Hobart, OK where Gene graduated from Hobart High School in 1956. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army.

On March 10, 1964, Gene married the love of his life, Virginia Haney, and together they had three children. Upon his discharge from the Army, Gene worked for Oklahoma Natural Gas for 12 years while attending Central State University (now UCO) where he obtained a degree in accounting. After graduation, he went to work for Western Electric/AT&T, retiring after 25 years of service.

Upon leaving AT&T, Gene continued his volunteer work as Softball Commissioner at Putnam City Optimist Sports Club. After 40 years of touching countless lives, he finally retired. The Club honored him by renaming the fields "PCO Gene Taylor Fields."

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Homer and Joe; sister, Ruby; and daughter, Lisa Cochran.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Virginia; sister, Betty James; daughter, Penny Stokesberry and her husband David; son, David Taylor and his wife Jamie; grandchildren, Trey Cochran, Brad Cochran, Haley Cochran, Josh Stokesberry, Jessica Stokesberry, Rachel Stokesberry, Riley Stokesberry, Zach Taylor and Zoe Taylor; four great-grandchildren, Cameran Cochran, Chloe Cochran, Cooper Cochran and Juliet Cochran; and many nieces, nephews and countless friends. Gene will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 19, 1:00pm at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Chapel.