Ralph “Bud” Charles Taylor Jr.

Bud (Ralph C) Taylor, age 96, of Belmont passed away into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, October 6, 2023. He was born in Greenville, Michigan where he lived through his school days. Bud served his country in the U.S. Navy at the end of WWII as a store purser, traveling in China and Japan. He was preceded in death by his grandchildren, Kendra Groenhout and Brian Miller; niece, Holly Randall; and mother of his children, Donna Taylor. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 46 years, Diane; children, Nancy and Ken Koch, Vicky and Dave Miller, Mike and Carol Taylor, Pat and Sue Taylor; grandchildren, Brad and Trish (Jeffrey) Koch, Kasey and Beverly Koch, Kristen Berens, John Groenhout, Nicole Taylor, Julie Taylor, Jacob and Leona Taylor, Alana and Ted Otten Jr., Sean and Jennifer (Shalloup) Taylor; 18 great grandchildren; 1 great great granddaughter (she fulfilled Bud’s dream of 5 generations); in-laws, Neil and Ruth Randall, John and Judi Randall, Paula Randall, Marshall and Kelle Randall, Mark and Diane Randall, Shannon and Martin Visser; nieces and nephews; cousins; and special buddies, Larry Branagan, Marshall Penland; and many friends. Bud spent his working days working in sales in the food industry, servicing Western Michigan. He loved camping adventures, making blueberry pancakes, scouting outings, Canadian fishing trips, hunting, trout fishing, flea marketing, collecting and dealing in coins, traveling to the U.P., but most of all family gatherings. The family would like to thank the Spectrum Hospice team: Amy, Cody, Doreen and Steve for their loving care. In honor of his wishes private burial has taken place. A CELEBRATION OF LIFE/ gathering, open house will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 1-4 p.m. at Leisure Village Lodge, 5305 Circle Drive, Belmont, MI. Memorial contributions can be made to Spectrum Health Hospice or Grand Rapids Home for Veterans activity fund.