Stephen Taylor

Our hearts were shattered when Stephen departed this life on January 1, 2020 following a brief illness.

Stephen Anthony Taylor, son of the late Waverly Harris and Susie McKnight, was born on December 12, 1945 in Baltimore, Maryland. His close family and friends affectionately referred to him as “T”, “Taylor”, and “Snookie”.  Stephen was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and eventually received an advanced degree with a focus in Computer Sciences.

In 1962, Stephen enlisted in the U.S. Army, which was the beginning of a 26 plus year military career, including 2 Vietnam tours.  He loved his country and served with great pride, honor, dignity, and respect.  Stephen traveled worldwide receiving various military decorations, awards, and accolades. Stephen retired from the U.S. Army in 1989 as Sergeant Major of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit (EOD).

After his retirement his passion continued for the U.S. Armed Services which led him to join the Chicago Public School System as an Administrator and JROTC Instructor. This was yet another fulfilling and rewarding position for him, which he undertook with great passion and joy.  He positively impacted and changed the lives of numerous students during his tenure with Chicago Public Schools. After 20 years as an Administrator and JROTC instructor, Stephen retired from Chicago Public Schools.

On September 15, 1973, Stephen married the love of his life Veronica (BB) Grace, who not only became his wife of 46 years, but also his military partner and companion.  Wherever the military stationed Stephen, there also was Veronica.  She was his one true love.

Stephen A. Taylor was made a Master Mason in Fort Sill Oklahoma.  He demitted to William Scruggs Military Masonic Lodge (#147). He was a Past Master, Past Excellent High Priest, Past Eminent Commander and Past Commander In Chief.  Stephen was also a District Deputy Grand Master for the state of Illinois for over 20 years.  He received numerous Masonic awards over the years and received his 33rd degree in 2013.

Although Stephen loved the comradery of the military and masonic lodge, some of his favorite past-times included coin collecting, fishing, caring for his salt-water fish, grilling, firearms, working with computers, learning of new technologies, cars, and caring for he and his wife’s beloved dogs and cat.

Beyond his greatest love BB, Stephen adored and cherished the moments in which family would gather for holidays and special occasions.

Stephen’s memories will be cherished by his devoted wife Veronica, a son Malcolm Davis, his brothers, Leroy Taylor, Lawrence Gomer and Gary (Serena) Harris, his sisters Leslie Imes, Toyer Harris, and Antoinette Harris,  brother-in laws , David Grace, Edgar (Cynthia) Grace, Christopher (Tracy) Grace,  Eric Grace,  sister-in-laws, Sharon Grace, Regina Shanks,Machelle (Jean’) Leconte, and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

We will greatly miss his many stories, sense of humor, and endless kindness.  He will forever live in our hearts and will be cherished for a lifetime.