Lemmuel R. Taylor

Lemmuel R. Taylor, 84, of Silvis, Illinois, died Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Illini Restorative Care, Silvis.

Services are 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 7 at Second Baptist Church, 919 6th Ave, Rock Island, Illinois, with Reverend Joseph D. Williamson III officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Burial is in Rock Island National Cemetery following services. Memorials may be made to the family.

Lemmuel Russell Taylor was born April 4, 1940, in Freeport, Illinois, the son of Oather and Ines (Williams) Taylor Sr. After graduating high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, where he played a role in the Cuban Missile Crisis and achieved the rank of Lance Corporal (E-3). He was honored with a Good Conduct Medal, Pistol Marksman’s Badge, and Rifle Marksman’s Badge. Semper Fi. Following his military service, Lemmuel pursued his passion for craftsmanship, dedicating 35 years to Honeywell as a master mold maker.

On June 8, 1968, he married the love of his life, Frances Cunningham. Together, they built a life full of love, faith, and family.

Lemmuel was a devoted member of Second Baptist Church in Rock Island, where he enjoyed the fellowship of the Brotherhood Men's Group. His faith also led him to serve as a former trustee at the Church of God and as a dedicated volunteer pantry coordinator for over 14 years at FACC, both in Freeport, Illinois.

He found joy in the simple pleasures of life—walking along the Mississippi River, playing solitaire, and preparing his famous BBQ ribs. With his signature dry sense of humor, he could bring a smile to anyone’s face. Lemmuel cherished time spent with his family, never missing a reunion, and loved traveling, especially to Las Vegas and Ohio to visit loved ones. His warm spirit and gift of conversation meant he never met a stranger—he’d even talk to a tree if it would listen.

Lemmuel is survived by his beloved wife, Frances; children, Avery (Jean) Taylor and Spencer Taylor; grandchildren, Jordan Heitz, Hope Taylor, and Haylie Taylor; 4 great-grandchildren; siblings, Beverly Taylor, Oather Taylor Jr., David (Geri) Taylor, and Herbert (Deborah) Taylor; siblings-in-law, Katherine Cain and Betty Cunningham; bonus-sister, Mary Burris; nieces and nephews, Keith (Bernita) Edison, Jimmy Edison, Olivia (Mark) Ivy, Darrell Edison, Carline (Willie) Lee, Cerita (Marvin) Sellers, Cheryl Cain, Leslie Jones, K.C. Jones III, Kelly Jones, Bryna (Eddie) Jones-Joyce, Holly Jones, Bethanne Holifield, Oather (Mirella) Taylor III, Todd (Ruth) Taylor, Judy (Phillip) Castro, William (Karen) Rollins, Scott (Nicole) Taylor, and Shaun (Tiffany) Taylor; great-nieces and nephews, Brittany Cain, Cheree (Jerome) Price, Jasmine Holifield, Alina Taylor, Oather Taylor IV, Jessica Castro, Kennedy Taylor, Kendall Taylor, Scott Taylor Jr., Madison Taylor, Andrew Taylor, Jullian Cunningham, Ramsey Cunningham, Lindsey (Irvin) Lamas, Michael Cunningham, Ethel (Willie) Turner, Michelle McGee, Tracey Williams, Frederick Williams, John Kelly Rollins, Lydia Rollins, and Khari Green; a great-great-niece; and a great-great-nephew. He was preceded by his parents; siblings, Carolyn (Oliver) Edison, Carl Cain, and Catherine (Roosevelt) Banks; siblings-in-law, K.C. Jones Jr., Rosemarie Taylor; Irene Chester, Delores (Freddie) Williams, Homer Cunningham Jr., and Roy Cunningham; and a niece, Carla Edison.

Though he has departed this world, his smile, kindness, and unwavering love for his family will forever shine in our hearts.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.