Zephyrhills, Florida – Harry Albert Taylor, Jr. passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026 at the age of 96 with his loving family by his side. Harry was born on July 5, 1929 in Lansing, Michigan to Harry E. Albert, Sr. and Leola Taylor. The eldest of seven children, Harry was born just before the Great Depression and knew hardship firsthand. His father was laid off from his job at General Motors, and food was scarce. He would walk with his mother to a surplus store once a month for supplies, pulling his red wagon. Some meals consisted only of a plate of homegrown green beans. At the age of six, he was struck in the nose by a baseball during a friendly backyard game. It probably broke his nose, but no one went to the doctor in those days. He had a crooked nose for life.

Harry attended Walter French Jr. High and later Lansing Central High School. He discovered a lasting love of music when he learned to play the trombone at Walter French. He was very competitive, quickly moving to first chair and proudly playing in marching band. Harry also nurtured his love of music through singing in church. He began in the choir at Central Free Methodist in Lansing and later sang at Pennway Church of God and First Church of God in Plant City, Florida. He participated in quartets and continued singing well into his nineties, performing in the praise team and as a soloist until the age of 92. His church community remained a vital source of friendship and fellowship.

Harry was a capable all-around athlete who enjoyed basketball, track and swimming, though he could not join a team because he needed to work after school. Later in life, golf became one of his passions and he enjoyed playing many rounds of golf with his wife, family and friends well into retirement.

Harry enlisted in the Naval Reserve as a senior in high school, completing the required classes and training. When he graduated from high school in 1948, WWII was over and the United States had not yet entered the Korean War. Consequently, active duty was not required. He was honorably discharged in 1951 as a married man expecting his first child.

Harry met the love of his life, Asenath Dean, while he was still in high school. She had already graduated and was living and working in Lansing. One evening after his shift at the hardware store, Harry met Asenath and four friends who had come in for ice cream at a local restaurant. He was interested in the one with curlers in her hair, so he arranged to escort the group home in exchange for paying for their ice cream. Of course, Asenath was the one with curlers—a moment that marked the beginning of a lifelong love.

Harry and Asenath were married on September 4, 1948, beginning a remarkable partnership that spanned 77 years. Though work was initially scarce, Harry built a career

through determination and skill. He worked in carpentry and painting until he was hired as an electrician for Howison Electric. After receiving his contractor’s license, he established his own electrical contracting business where he mentored his brothers, young son and daughter in electrical work as well as taking on numerous young men as apprentices. He started his business from his home on Seymour Street in Lansing. In 1962, he opened Electric Living on Grand Avenue. The firm specialized in electrical heating and lighting services and featured a 2,000-square-foot showroom. After that venture, he reopened Harry A. Taylor, Electrical Contractor on Turner Street in Lansing. At its peak, the business employed fifteen people and was well respected in the area for quality electrical work.

Harry’s career as an electrical contractor included significant challenges, but his guiding principle was: “Respect is earned, honesty is appreciated, trust is gained, and loyalty is returned.” This philosophy served him well for 35 years until an economic downturn in the 1980s led to the closing of his business. He finished his career as a valued electrician at General Motors’ Fisher Body plant and retired ten years after closing his business. He was proud of his reputation for honesty and quality work.

Outside of work, Harry had many passions. He loved hunting and fishing, and family vacations often centered around camping and fishing. Annual deer hunting trips to the Upper Peninsula were a cherished tradition. He would also hunt pheasants, rabbits, and other game as the opportunity arose. On one trip to Washington State, he narrowly escaped tragedy when a sudden storm struck while crossing a lake with game in the boat – three goats and two deer. Later in life, he enjoyed hunting on his own property in Michigan and treasured life at his farm on Harper Road in Holt.

Harry A. Taylor was the consummate electrician, but he was also a man of many interests and talents. He was an athlete, artist, musician, hunter, fisherman, pilot, carpenter, and builder. Above all, he was a devoted Christian husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved his family with all his heart. He cherished time spent with family and friends, especially around the dinner table enjoying meals prepared by his beloved wife. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his grandchildren who hold dear memories of time spent with him at the Harper Road farm.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Harry E. Albert and Leola (Fellows) Taylor; his brothers, Bob and George Taylor; and his sisters, Mary Harger, Martha Dilts, and Ann Hayward. He is survived by his devoted wife of 77 years, Asenath (Dean) Taylor; his brother, Steve Taylor; his children, Kenneth (Marilyn) Taylor, Janice (Dave) Tjepkema, and Stephanie (Adam) Wolfgang; eight grandchildren, Matt, Angie, Jenny, Mike, Anna, Abe, Ben and Jason; and eighteen great-grandchildren.

A remembrance will be held during the 10:30 a.m. worship service at First Church of God, 601 N. Gordon Street, Plant City, Florida on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Lansing, Michigan in September. The date and location will be announced at a later date.