Cleveland Taylor

Cleveland Taylor, 85, of Akron, Ohio, passed away on December 5, 2025. He was born in Talladega, Alabama on August 1, 1940 the son of the late Julius Taylor and Virginia (Prather) Taylor. Mr. Taylor attended local schools in Talladega.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. After leaving the Navy he flew to Niagara Falls, NY and then relocated to Detroit, Michigan. While living in Detroit he was employed with the Chrysler Co. for many years. After retiring he moved his residence to Akron, Ohio to be near family and friends. He met and married his wife Willa Mae (Walker) Taylor until her death in 2009. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing with family and friends. These moments showed his love for the great outdoors and created many lasting memories with those he cherished. He was well known as the Scrabble "Champ" always ready to play a "friendly" game.

With a great sense of humor, he was often the life of the party, bringing joy and smiles to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Cleveland had a remarkable ability to always be ready with a clever quip or playful jest. His caring nature was evident in his many acts of kindness, as he devoted himself to helping others and nurturing those he held dear.

Cleveland had a gift and a passion for music and singing. He was a member of bands and enjoyed playing for others.

Cleveland leaves behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His spirit will continue to inspire and uplift those left behind, as he is remembered not just for the joy he brought, but for the love he generously spread to others. Cleveland Taylor will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Willa Mae Taylor; and siblings Conrad James Morris, Juanita Davis, Betty Spears, Julius Taylor, Joseph Taylor, and Lillian Taylor.

Cleveland leaves behind to cherish his memory, siblings Jacqueline Prather, Lucy Spraggins, Julia Rogers, Gleneva Dunham, and Elvin Taylor; children Kimberly Taylor-Aaron, Elizabeth Taylor, Darnell Jackson, Cleveland Taylor Jr., and Keela Hervey; 17 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, Dec 19th from 11:00am to 12:00pm at the Newcomer Funeral Home (131 N. Canton Rd., Akron) where funeral services will be held at 12:00pm.

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