Big O Tires Hall of Fame member William Gene “Bill” Taylor died on Oct. 14.

Taylor worked for Big O for more than 40 years. He started his career in the 1950s as a tire technician with O.K. Rubber Welder, the predecessor to Big O Tires in Louisville, Ky.

At 23, Taylor became the owner of the store and regional vice president of the franchise group shortly after. Taylor owned and operated 20 Big O locations with Dohn Graham, his business partner and fellow Hall of Famer.

Taylor was inducted into the Big O Tires Hall of Fame in 1997 and his contributions and leadership helped the franchise become the No. 1 tire dealer in the Louisville market.

Taylor is survived by his wife, one brother, three daughters, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.