Wilbur J. Taylor

Mr. Wilbur J. Taylor, affectionately known to many as Elvis, Michael Jackson, Bruce Lee, and Richard Pryor because of his love for o’l school comedy and legendary entertainers, was born on November 12, 1958, at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, IL to his mother, Lois Olgree Halford who was the love of his life. He was the second of nine children and was truly an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Wilbur confessed a hope in Christ at an early age. After a life filled with laughter, talent, and love for family and friends, he entered eternal rest peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL.

Wilbur attended Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields, Illinois, and later attended Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, IL, where he explored his interests in theater, drama, acting, and comedy. He enjoyed entertaining others and had a special gift for performing dance impersonations of two of his favorite entertainers, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. Wilbur also had a passion for martial arts, admiring the legendary Bruce Lee, and he loved classic comedy, especially the work of Richard Pryor. In his leisure time, he was an avid Chicago Blackhawks hockey fan.

Wilbur dedicated many years of service as a Certified Nursing Assistant, faithfully caring for others for 22 years prior to his retirement. During his career, he worked at Deerbrook Nursing Home, Glenwood Nursing Home, and Joliet Terrace Nursing Home, where he was known for his compassion and dedication to those he served.

He was preceded in passing by his mother and three brothers.

Wilbur leaves to cherish his precious memories his daughter and the love of his life, Tiffany “Tiff” Taylor of Joliet, Illinois; one sister, Gail Chelores Peete of Matteson, Illinois; four brothers, Darryl Taylor, Jerome (Andrea) Peete, James Lewis, and Julius Lewis, all of Joliet, Illinois; four close cousins, Ronald Halford, Betty Halford, Reggie Halford, Renee Halford, and Randy Halford, all of Chicago, Illinois; close family friends, Gail Lewis and Mary Helen Lewis of Chicago Heights, Illinois; his aunt, Charlene of Rockford, Illinois; his cousin, Steve Halford of Texas; a special friend, Brother Mike; along with a host of cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

Wilbur will be remembered for his joyful spirit, humor, love for entertainment, and the warmth he shared with everyone he encountered. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of laughter and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

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