Wannie Lee Taylor, III

Wannie Lee Taylor, III was born to Todd James Taylor and Carol Ann Taylor on January 9, 1961, in Fort Worth, TX. After spending his childhood years growing up in Fort Worth, TX, Boston, MA, Sarasota, FL, and Atlanta, GA, Wannie moved back to Florida, eventually settling in Clearwater with his devoted husband of 35 years, Sonny Haskins. Wannie was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2012, but continued to live a full life with Sonny, family, and friends until his death.

During his formative years, Wannie developed an interest in the arts and pursued acting, dance, and drawing. He landed major roles in two productions at the Players Theater in Sarasota, FL – On Borrowed Time and Oliver Twist. He participated in numerous dance productions over the years and many of his charcoal sketches were placed in local exhibits. Wannie also had a life-long love of cars, especially antique cars. He bought, fixed, and resold too many to count.

Wannie and Sonny met in 1986 and were inseparable from day one. While always committed to each other, they were officially married shortly after a change in the state law allowed it. One of Wannie’s and Sonny’s greatest sources of joy as a couple was participating in a large group of friends that gathered weekly to watch the television series, “Survivor.” They also took part in a variety of different charity initiatives and toy drives, all benefitting children in the Clearwater area. When Sonny, a Vietnam Veteran, became ill with cancer later in life, Wannie selflessly cared for him in their home for many years until Sonny passed away in August 2022.

Wannie explored different interests during his working years and received certifications both as a bookkeeper and an x-ray technician. He also worked in the restaurant and bar industry, banking customer service, and retail delivery. Above all of these interests, however, was Wannie’s passion for cars which he pursued through his own mobile car detailing service for more than two decades. Wannie would make any car look like new, whether Rolls Royce or jalopy.

Family and friends will remember Wannie as fun-loving and upbeat. He lived in the moment, never met a stranger, and was always quick with a smile and positive comment. Gifted with an unfailing memory, Wannie was relied on to be the Taylor family historian. His recollections of facts and details of family gatherings and extended family relationships will be sorely missed.

Wannie is pre-deceased by his husband, Sonny, and his father, Todd James Taylor. He is survived by his mother, Carol Ann Taylor (Joel), siblings Todd Eliot Taylor (Allison) and Jenai Ann Taylor (Alan), and niece Katie Taylor and nephew Will Taylor. The family is planning a small private service. 

Anyone wishing to honor Wannie’s memory is invited to donate to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org