86° and Clear
Bill Taylor passed away on June 29, 2026, at the age of 84. He was born on June 3, 1942, in Alamogordo, NM.
Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Linda Lee Taylor and his parents, Donald G. Taylor and Paulee Prather Taylor.
He is survived by his daughter, Ellie Taylor of Pinon, NM; sister, Jeanie Groves and husband Jim of Las Cruces, NM; niece, Paula Groves of Las Cruces; two great nieces, Jordyn and Morgyn Gallegos; uncle Billy Budagher; stepbrother, Frank Mathis; numerous cousins.
Bill grew up on the Taylor ranch near Alamogordo. He came from a long line of pioneer families, the Prathers and the Taylors, and ranching was in his blood. Bill earned a bachelor's degree in Animal Husbandry at NMSU and began cattle and sheep ranching in the Pinon area after inheriting one of the original Prather ranches and purchasing the old Merritt ranch. In 1972, he married Linda and they ran their Pinon ranch together for 51 years. Bill was a member of the sheep shearing crew made up of local ranchers who were affectionately known as the Pinon Winos. He enjoyed playing the fiddle and guitar. Together, Bill and Linda performed many songs at the Pinon Baptist Church.
A Graveside Service for Bill was held at 2:00 pm, Friday, July 10, 2026, at Monte Vista Cemetery with Brother Wayne Brazil officiating.
Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers include Jason Brunson, Innis Lewis, Arden Lewis, Odie Prather, William Budagher, Frank Mathis, Rick Kniepkamp, Paul Kniepkamp, Jack Coupland, Alvie Smith, Jim Groves, Frank Mathis, and Dusin Blake.
