CDR William Ivey Taylor III

CDR William Ivey Taylor III, USN (Ret.), age 83, passed peacefully on April 3, 2026, and has found eternal rest with his Heavenly Father. 

He was born on June 6, 1942, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to Dr. William Ivey Taylor, Jr. and Nancy Young Taylor of Burgaw, North Carolina.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Knox Taylor, and Joseph’s wife Sandra.

“Bill” is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Lewis Taylor; his daughter, Roberta LaSure, and her husband, Bruce; and his son, John William Taylor. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Taylor LaSure and his wife, Caitlin; Kristen Gillentine and her husband, Zachery; Cypress Bergan and her husband, Joe; Alarin Taylor; Moss Taylor; and Alix Weevil and her husband, Matt; as well as two great-grandchildren. He is additionally survived by his brother, Michael Taylor, and his wife, Alicia, along with nieces and nephews.

Bill graduated from Burgaw High School and Campbell College. He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy in 1965 and went on to serve a distinguished career spanning several decades. He was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War and U.S. military operations in Grenada, and Lebanon. Over the course of his naval service, he received twenty-one decorations, including three Meritorious Service Medals, awards for combat with valor accompanied by four Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart. He also served as a Company Officer at the United States Naval Academy, attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and commanded the USS Fort Snelling from 1981 to 1984.

Bill was an avid reader with a curious and disciplined mind and could often be found immersed in a good book. He also had a deep love for woodworking, hunting, and fishing. He was happiest when he had a project underway and was rarely idle, spending countless hours tinkering in his workshop. Whether he was carefully crafting something useful, fixing something that needed repair, or simply making something for the joy of it, Bill found great satisfaction in working with his hands and bringing his ideas to life.  He especially loved helping family members with repair projects, always ready to lend his skills, tools, and time. These hours of creation and problem-solving reflected his patience, ingenuity, and steady, generous nature.

Fishing in particular held a special place in his heart, especially when it meant time spent with his grandchildren. He took great pride in teaching them how to fish as they grew up, sharing both practical skills and meaningful time together. Surf-casting and fishing from his boat remain some of his grandchildren’s most cherished memories of him.

Above all else, Bill’s greatest joy came from his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His family was always his first love, followed closely by his unwavering devotion to his country.

In accordance with his wishes, no funeral service or visitation is planned. A Celebration of Life for family and close friends will be held at the family home at a time to be announced.

Flowers are welcome and those wishing to make a memorial gift in Bill’s memory may do so to the Wounded Warrior Project or to Lower Cape Fear Hospice of Wilmington.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting the Tribute Wall above.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home of Wilmington is serving the family.

910-794-7171

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