William Lourie Taylor

William Lourie Taylor, affectionately known as “Kiwi,” passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Murrells Inlet on May 6, 2026, at the age of 92. When the pastor asked him if he thought he was going to heaven when he passed, Kiwi said, “hell yes I’m going to heaven!”

William was born in Hunterville, New Zealand, on May 11, 1933. After obtaining a degree in horticulture from Massey University, he traveled by ship to the United States, where he met and married his first wife, Mary E. Taylor, within weeks of meeting her. He knew the minute that he saw her that he was going to marry her. Together they raised their three children until Mary passed away in 2014 from Alzheimer’s disease. Three years later, William met and fell in love with Diane Haines of Murrells Inlet, whom he later married in 2023. Diane stayed lovingly by his side and cared for him until he passed.

Kiwi had an adventurous spirit and never backed down from a challenge. His career in agriculture led him into the frozen food industry, where he designed manufacturing plants throughout the United States, Mexico, and Nicaragua. He had his pilot’s license and loved to fly his plane whenever he could in his younger years. His love of adventure and the ocean later led him into the oil industry, where he worked offshore as an oil drilling inspector. In his later years, he returned to his passion for agriculture on the farm he and Mary owned in Mississippi. Upon retirement, they moved closer to family and spent their days traveling the world and enjoying time with family and friends while camping and fishing. Gardening remained one of Kiwi’s greatest joys, and he became well known for the beautiful roses he lovingly cultivated.

William is survived by his beloved wife, Diane Taylor; children, William “Tom” Taylor (Kim), Lourie Taylor, and Patrick Taylor (Chris); and step-children, Jenny Punjack (John), Danny Haines and David Haines (Maria). Grandchildren, Will Taylor (Courtney), Morgan Edwards (Sam), Kaylyn Clayton (Grant), and Alexis Whitmore (ZacK). Great-grandchildren, Mary Katherine Taylor, Annie Clayton, Hamilton Clayton, Benjamin Edwards, Mason Taylor and Wyatt Whitmore; as well as many cherished relatives, and friends. He is also survived by his devoted dog, Minnie, who sat beside him for the past 12 years.

He was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Thelma Taylor; his first wife Mary Taylor; and his sister, Diana Rhodes.

Kiwi had the kindest heart and treated everyone with love and respect. He was everyone’s “favorite” in the hospital, doctor’s offices, and rehab centers. He inspired everyone to want to be kinder to others.

Tom, Pat and Lourie would like to thank Jenny and John for taking great care of Kiwi during his final months. You helped make one of his final wishes come true, which was to pass peacefully at home.

A celebration of life will be held in Greenville, South Carolina, at a date to be determined later.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Murrells Inlet, SC (843.651.1440) is assisting the family.