Philip Taylor

Philip Taylor, 72 years old, passed away July 19, 2021, at his home in St. George, Utah.  He was born December 28, 1948, in Logan, Utah, to Dale Jensen Taylor and Blanche Beckstead Taylor.

Phil attended school in Cache Valley and loved growing up on the Island. Many stories were told and retold of his youthful adventures while living on Canyon Road, fishing at First Dam, playing in the irrigation canal, playing baseball and ice skating at Central Park

Phil attended Logan High School and then joined the Army in 1967 where he served for 4 years. He attended tank mechanic school and was then assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado, where he worked on tanks. Phil was then promoted to the position of Drill Sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. For the remainder of his service, he facilitated 13 different basic trainings to over 400 soldiers who were assigned to Vietnam. Part of his position as Drill Sergeant was to assist in bringing deceased soldiers’ home to their families, although this was an extremely emotional responsibility, he took great honor in fulfilling this duty. Phil was incredibly patriotic, loved his country and was honored to serve in the Army.

While attending Logan High School he met his sweetheart, Marilyn Willmore. They were married August 15, 1966 in Logan, Utah and have a beautiful daughter Amber Leigh McMillan, who blessed him with four wonderful grandchildren, Morgan, Jenson, Carter, Grace and Tyler.

Upon his release from the Army Phil began working in retail at Grand Central. He then started his career as a salesman for Cooper Tire and Rubber Company, Phil was a born salesman, and he enjoyed his time traveling and meeting new people. Those who knew Phil were drawn to his witty sense of humor and his positive outlook on life. His close family especially loved his “Poppy-isms” that typically made no sense but made us all smile.

After his retirement from Cooper Tire, he started his own business, The Window Screener.  This business gave him the opportunity to continue meeting new people and using his salesmanship skills while working at his own pace.

Phil was very involved in the AA organization and felt that attending the meetings were the glue that held his life together. He had various positions over the years and made lifetime friends that have supported him through the good and the challenging times. His sponsor Don and his wife Becki, moved to St George shortly after Phil moved and our family is extremely grateful for the love and support, they have given to Phil while there.

We love you Phil and know that you are surrounded by loved ones, drinking coffee (hopefully with a lid), in flannel pajama pants, a tie dye t-shirt and a cool cat hat. Until we see you again know that we will be living life “one day at time”.

Phil is survived by Amber McMillan (daughter), Karen Zollinger (sister) and Steven J. Taylor (brother).

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Dale & Blanche Taylor, brothers, Ellis & Maurice, niece Amanda Taylor, grandparents, aunts & uncles.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 23, at 2:00pm in Preston, Idaho, at the Preston Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life from 6:00 to 8:00pm at 1350 Canyon Park Road, Bountiful, Utah.