Taylor Wily

Taylor Tuli Wily (Big Tee)

Our gentle, loving soul, entered this world on June 14, 1969, Honolulu, Hawaii, and returned to the loving arms of our heavenly father and family members awaiting his arrival on June 20, 2024, Hurricane, Utah. Taylor was born to Kuinise Wily and Levaosina Alo, and was raised in Laie, Hawaii, with a presence that exuded love of family and community.

Upon completing her mission, Taylor found his eternal companion, Halona Siufanua, and were married and sealed for time and eternity in the Hawaii Laie Temple. Their loving union welcomed daughter, TulaLagalaga, and son YoungAisa. Their endeavors increased and strengthened their love of family and understanding of reuniting in the afterlife.

Taylor is a third generation of American-Samoa and is the Original Laie Boy. 

Taylor’s accomplishments reflect his determination and focus to achieve and pursue many ventures that would allow him to travel, meet and talk to many he encountered. 

• Sumo wrestler – In 1987, shortly after graduating from high school, Taylor pursued a career in sumo wrestling joining the Azumazeki stable. Given the shikona (sumo name) of Takamishu Daikichi. His drive during his time in sumo wrestling earned him the first foreign-born wrestler to win the championship in his division. Tee retired from sumo wrestling July 1989 due to knee problems.

• Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 1990’s – Tee would involve into mixed martial arts and competed in the first broadcasted UFC fight. 

• Sumo wrestler – Returned to competition in the mid-1990’s and participated in the Hawaii State Sumo Championship and participated in the World Sumo Championship in Tokyo for the United States team, taking second place.

• Actor – Taylor is known world-wide for his acting pursuits and recognized as Kamekona, on the reboot of Hawaii Five-O. He made appearances on Magnum P.I., North Shore, MacGyver, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Amazing Race and Battle of the Titans.

Those who know or met Taylor, immediately felt a sense of love, acceptance, and aloha! No man was a stranger to Taylor, and you instantly felt his immense love for all. His fierce love of family is evident in his warm, welcoming, and laid-back personality.

Taylor is survived by his loving wife Halona, daughter Tula, son Young, mother Levaiosina Alo, brothers Aisa Wily, Aofaga Wily, Tyrone Merdith, Henry Tufaga, and George Veikoso, sisters Rita Taito and Salai Tafuna and countless family members who will miss him immensely. Taylor is proceeded in death by his father Kuinise Wily, father-in-law Talive Siufanua, brother Sekeli Wily, sister-in-law Darlene Afemata and his namesake nephew Taylor Wily-Matagi 

Love and gratitude are extended to countless doctors and nurses who provided medical support for Taylor’s needs. This extends to his loving wife Halona and children Tula and Young for their endless love and care of their husband and father especially during the last 6 years as Taylor’s health issues increased.

Taylor’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Bloomington Stake Center, 200 West Brigham Road, St. George, Utah. Family service will begin at 10am-1pm, and bishop’s service from 1:30pm-2:30pm. Taylor will be laid to rest at the Laie Cemetery.

Taylor’s many accolades and accomplishments dim in comparison to the loss felt by his wife, children, and family! His presence will truly be missed but the knowledge and understanding that a reunion will occur where all will be met with that beautiful big smile, arms extended and Taylor saying “Auuuuright, Welcome Home!”

Ia manuia lou malaga ma ia fa’avavau ia ioeva!