Andre Dwight Taylor

Andre Dwight Taylor, affectionately known as "Dre" was born on December 10, 1952, He was the son of the late Joseph and Emma Taylor. On Saturday, August 6, 2016, after a long hard fought battle with an illness, the gates of Heaven opened and the soul of Andre entered. He will truly be missed by those who called him Husband, Father, Pop-Pop, Brother, and Friend.

Andre grew up in North Philadelphia, and was educated in the Philadelphia School System. At the early age of 10, his parents enrolled him into music school, and that is where he discovered his love for music. While attending Thomas Edison High School he played on the baseball team as a pitcher. He later decided in 1968 to enlist in the United States Army, during that time, he served two tours in Vietnam as a communications Specialist. He attained the rank of Sergeant (E-5) before being honorably discharged in 1971.

In 1971 Andre married Shirley Eaddy, to this union two children were born, Bernice and Andrea. In 1983, he married Geneffa Smith, to this union two children were born Andre, Jr. and Mahasa.

After leaving the military, he went into the steel mill industry, where he worked as a machinist. Shortly after, he became an entrepreneur by owning several businesses including Taylor's Transport & Recovery Towing Company, He also owned Aces Wild Lounge, a Home Remodeling Business where he employed many of the neighborhood youth. Andre possessed many talents.

Andre often found time to enjoy his true passions; riding motorcycles and music. He was a true musician he could sing his heart out.

Andre was extremely talented, not only did he have a great voice, but he also had the ability to write music and play the drums. Growing up in the early 1960's, he started singing with what he called a Rock & Roll group. He eventually branched out to Gospel Music groups based in Philadelphia; including The Cymbals, The Southern Wonders, and the Sensational Chariots. He was also blessed with the opportunity to record several tracks with the Temptations.

After relocating to North Carolina in 2001, Andre began working for Clark Pavement Marking, Inc., where he traveled from Virginia to Georgia to pave highways.

In 2010, his health declined and he retired from working. But despite his illness, Andre never grumbled or complained about his sometimes obvious discomfort, a rare virtue in any man. He had a great sense of humor with a sharp side of truth. He was extremely witty and incredibly sharp. His knowledge of the world and life was almost legendary. Whether you were nine, nineteen, or ninety, if you were privileged enough to be seated at the table with him, you could be sure of an interesting and lively conversation. He had always led a very active life.

Andre was a friend to so many people and touched so many lives in so many ways. He was a very well-respected, well liked, popular man with lots of friends.

Andre leaves to mourn his wife Geneffa Taylor, children Bernice, Andrea, Aisha (Mark), Yahya, Jamil, Andre Jr., and Mahasa; his grandchildren Da'Quan, Ta'Ron, Dontae', Ashley, De'ja, Kame', Zaire, Tristian, Isaiah, and Serenity; a host of relatives and friends.

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