Clinton A. Taylor, Jr., transitioned August 11, 2020. He was born on
September 9, 1939, to Clinton A. Taylor, Sr. and Doris Woodson in
Passaic, New Jersey. As the oldest son, he was affectionately known
as “Junior”.
He was educated in the Nutley public school system graduating from
Nutley High School where he was an “All American” athlete. After
high school, he went into the U.S. Army serving from 1963 – 1965,
during which he also played football and proudly served as a pall-
bearer for President John F. Kennedy’s funeral before being
honorably discharged. Clint then returned to New Jersey in 1965 to
marry his beloved wife Rechelle Willoughby where they settled in
Montclair to raise a beautiful family. Clint loved Montclair where he
resided for over fifty (50) years. He was very active in the community
and named Grand Marshall of the Montclair African American
Parade.
Clint was a member of Saint Peter Claver Roman Catholic Church
where he established the first CYO (Catholic Youth Organization).
Clint also had a successful career in sales where he became one of the
top salesmen at J&J Distributors. After retirement, he returned to
work at the Hackensack Meadowlands Authority. In 1985, he became
proprietor of the Three (3) Corner Bar and Deli in Orange, New
Jersey. He was part of many civic and social organizations, like The
Boys Are Back in Town, Norigmen, Grass Roots Association, Rites
of Passage, Men’s Breakfast at Glenfield Park, and was known by
many as “Mr. Montclair.”
Clint loved the Lord and especially as good song. You could hear him
singing loud with his deep baritone voice as a member of New Hope
Baptist Church in East Orange, New Jersey. Clints’ children were his
pride and joy: Gordon Taylor, Carla Taylor Bennett, (John Wesley
Bennett) and Jakki Taylor.
He is survived by his grandchildren: Al-Jernon, Jordan, Hebrew, his
only granddaughter Taylor, and Nicholas. His step-father John
Thompson, siblings Carol Priester, Arthur Taylor (Christine Taylor),
Ronald Taylor (deceased), Doris Goggans Taylor (deceased), and
Gregory Little, along with a host of nieces, nephews, family members
and friends.