Fred Jerome Taylor (Jerome), 55, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois died on July 11, 2022, in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. He was the husband of Bernice (BeBe) Taylor (nee Templin). They were married for 26 years.
Born on June 5, 1967 in Zion, he was the son of William Quitman (Bo) and Ollie Jean (Jean) Taylor. Jerome graduated from Zion Benton Township High School in 1985 where he was a standout athlete in any sport he played, especially baseball and football. He received his associate degree in Electrical Engineering in 1987 from DeVry Institute of Technology. He retired as a union electrician.
Jerome was proud of his time as a baseball coach. It brought him joy on the field, but more so in creating relationships with players that went well beyond the game. Even as players moved from the baseball field to the softball field, Jerome showed up to cheer them on. He was thrilled when he ran into or caught up with someone through a phone call or text. This was a regular occurrence and so many considered him an instrumental figure in their lives. He was loved beyond measure.
No matter his audience, Jerome could spin a story and bring laughter to the point of tears. When he got a response, his eyes lit up and his smile was broad. He loved telling tales about anything and everything. Jerome controlled the room no matter where he was. He also held a place in his heart for animals, especially his many rescued dogs. Jerome was bigger than life in more ways than his 6’7″ stature.
He is survived by his wife BeBe; his sons, Alvin (Ezra) and Tyler Burdick; his grandchildren, Cali, Skylar and Lucas Burdick; his mother, Ollie Jean Taylor; his brother William (Lori) Taylor; nieces and nephews; and so many friends far and wide. Jerome is preceded in death by his father William Taylor and his brother, Tony Waldrep.
The family is holding a private memorial.
