Derrick O. Taylor "Fonz"

Mr. Derrick Ozell Taylor, "FONZ" passed away on Friday, July 8, 2022, at Gladwin Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gladwin, Michigan.  Age 55 years.  He was born July 1, 1967, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Vernon “Sonny” and Kathryn Williams, and the late Shelby D. Taylor Sr.

Derrick, affectionately known to many as FONZ, was the best advisor, as he was knowledgeable of all aspects of life.  He was a man of power, wisdom, and strength, no obstacles could get him down.  He was a great provider to his family, (a good man carries himself by how he carries his family), Derrick was a good man and an awesome provider.  His smile lit up the room and his loyalty was beyond measure.  After becoming disabled at an early age of 16, Fonz preserved and completed the General Education Development program and received, his GED. He went on to driving school, so he could drive himself around in his fancy cars, participated in basketball Olympics, and martial arts/JITSU, where he received numerous awards and recognition for outstanding performances. 

He accepted Christ at an early age at Truevine Baptist Church, where his godparents took him every Sunday.  Derrick enjoyed traveling, online gaming, sports gambling, fashion, spending time with family and cars.  He had a strong relationship and bond with each of his nieces and nephews, as he was a second father to all of them, having initiated every one of them with his infamous “Love Choke Hold!” 

Derrick leaves to cherish his loving memories  his parents, Vernon “Sonny” and Kathryn Williams; four sisters, Rebecca (Terry) Shedrick , Michelle  Williams, Juanita and Elizabeth Taylor; one brother, Shelby (Tina) Taylor; five nieces, Syreeta Johnson, Ray’Chelle Pearson, Tori’ Ana Jackson, Kyndal Taylor and Sarah Taylor; six nephews, Brandon (Whitney) Taylor, Jaquavis Johnson, Denzel Johnson,  Daniel (Kira) Taylor, Joshua (Breal) Taylor,  and Jonathan Taylor. Many aunts, uncles, and cousins; sister in-law, Tina Taylor; brothers-in-law, Terry Shedrick, and Torey Jackson.  Many special friends including the love of his life, Carolyn Land, and sons, Michael Glen Jr., and Marcellus Glen; godbrother, Terry Rocket; goddaughter, Ta’Niya, Lawrence.  Special friends; Michael Tubbs, Steve McDaniel, Tracy Lawrence, Deidrea Sanders, Sherenia Parks, Clint (Kim) Givhan, Carl and James Russell, James Pearson and Julie McClendon-Humes.

Derrick was preceded in death by his father Shelby D. Taylor SR.; grandparents Artie and Janie Simpkins, JB, and Elizabeth Carter; godparents, Dossie and Eula Lee Moore.

The family expresses special thanks to family and friends for your love, support, kind words, flowers, cards, texts, phone calls, prayers, and Ivan E. Phillips, and Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel