William D. Metts

An icon was lost in the Taylor Machine Works family with the passing of William Metts, Director of Marketing for over 38 years. From his early beginnings more than 51 years ago as a service man taking care of Taylor customers throughout the Southeast, William’s expert knowledge of the Taylor products, his infectious attitude of positive thinking, and his “get the job done no matter what it takes” spirit led him into the Taylor sales organization soon thereafter. Among many of William’s career accomplishments, he led the company through its formative years as head of Sales and Service during the strategic transition from an Agricultural and Forestry equipment manufacturer into the big lift material handling giant Taylor is known for today. William also carried out the strategic plan for the company in establishing a top flight sales organization as well as developing the best big lift material handling dealer network the industry has ever seen. His tireless commitment to the customer led the company to coin its sudden service philosophy into a corporate moniker with the establishment of Sudden Service, Inc. William’s amazing analytical ability of assessing equipment wear and tear led him to become an industry expert in the field of lift equipment residual values thus developing a sound after market equipment valuation methodology for the company and competitors alike. There has never been a better forklift salesman than William Metts. He will be greatly missed by the Big Red Team and especially his loving Taylor - Metts family. Mr. Metts died Saturday, July 17, 2010, at Winston Medical Center. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 20, at 11:00 AM, at Evergreen Baptist Church, with Dr. Gayle Pope and Rev. Jimmy Flake officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Monday at Porter Funeral Home. Mr. Metts worked for Taylor Machine Works for more than 51 years. He was born October 20, 1941, in Louisville, MS, to Garland Davis & Florence Emma Wood Metts. He was a member of Poplar Flat Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, W. A. Taylor. He is survived by his wife, Nelda Childs Metts of Louisville, MS; daughters, Delisa (Larry) Peavy of Louisville, MS, and LaShearer (Greg) Merchant of Columbus, MS; a son, William Derick (Pam) Metts of Louisville, MS; step-daughter, Sonjia (Russ) McReynolds of Starkville, MS; sisters, Joyce (Bill) Sullivan, Mitzie Taylor, and Melba Metts Pearson, all of Louisville, MS; his mother-in-law, Billy Lynn Childs of Louisville, MS; grandchildren, Anthony (Christi) Peavy, Brandy (James) Blanton, Caleb (Virginia) Metts, Rae Anne Merchant, Hunter Sims, Chelsa Peavy, Jamie Merchant, Dylon Peavy, Brailey Merchant, Mac McReynolds, and Sara Stokes McReynolds; and a great grandchild, Carleigh Rae Blanton; and a number of nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Poplar Flat Baptist Church, 906 North Church Ave., Louisville, MS, 39339.