Phillip Devalle Taylor, known to friends and fairways as Phil, took his final tee time to the great clubhouse in the sky on July 9, 2024, at the age of 73, in Bloomington, Illinois. Born on July 7, 1951, in Danville, Phil was the life of the party and the soul of the sales lot.

For over 40 years, Phil spun tales and sold wheels, charming the socks off customers at local dealerships. His contagious laughter and knack for knowing your dream car before you did made him a legend in the car salesman's hall of fame.

Phil's service in the Air Force flew him high and taught him the art of camaraderie at 30,000 feet. His tales of military life were as colorful as his collection of golf pants.

On the topic of golf, Phil was known to drive his companions to the green with envy and putt his way into the hearts of his brothers and friends. As for baseball, his heart bled Cubbie blue, and he mastered the art of hope and heartbreak with every swing of the bat.

Phil leaves behind a team of loved ones: brothers Randy Taylor (Nanci) and David Taylor (Terry, dearly departed), sister Debra Lane (Dan), a roster of four nephews, two nieces, seven great-nephews, seven great-nieces, and five great-great-nieces ready to carry on his legacy of laughter. He's now reunited with his VIP fans, parents Dayton and Marjorie (Robinson) Taylor, and his all-star grandparents.

No somber faces or hushed tones here—Phil's Celebration of Life will be held at Crawford’s Corner Pub, 610 W Chestnut St in Bloomington, from 2 pm to 4 pm on July 19, 2024. Expect tales taller than a salesman's promise and a toast to a life well-played. Join us in raising a glass to a man who never let life pass him by, but instead took it for a joyride.