William Irvin Taylor Sr., retired postmaster

William “Bill” Irvin Taylor Sr. of Milford passed away peacefully Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at Bayhealth Hospital, Milford.

Bill was born April 29, 1939, in Salisbury, Md., to his parents, Irvin M. and Stella (Brittingham) Taylor. He married JoAnn Hastings June 24, 1961.

He served in the Air National Guard for several years. Bill began his career with the post office in Georgetown as a custodian and worked his way up to the role of postmaster, serving in several towns before retiring. After retiring from the post office, he started the Delmarva Real Estate Services business in Georgetown.

Bill was very proud of receiving the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts and of being awarded the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouting Award by the Grand Lodge of Delaware Beaver Award.

He was a longtime member of the Georgetown Presbyterian Church and served in many offices.

As a hobby, Bill took painting classes, and many of the paintings are displayed in their home. He also took banjo lessons, which he enjoyed in his spare time.

Bill had a very strong calling to be a pastor and completed a three-year course April 25, 2024.

He served in Rotary District No. 7630, which includes clubs in Delaware and on the Maryland Eastern Shore. As part of this district, an exchange team was sent to the Philippines for a month, and Bill proudly participated as a member of this team. They spent 30 days there, and Bill said it touched his heart seeing the children in need of surgery. Upon returning to the U.S., the team reported to different groups.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Taylor.

William is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, JoAnn (Hastings) Taylor; children, William Irvin Taylor II and wife Sharon of Felton, and Lynwood Clifton Taylor of Georgetown; granddaughter, Kyla Griffin of Idaho; and sister, Alma Jean Taylor.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 7, at Georgetown Presbyterian Church, 203 N. Bedford St., Georgetown. A time of visitation for family and friends will begin at 10 a.m.. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Georgetown.

Online condolences for the family may be made online at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.