Columbus Ward 1 Councilman Gene Taylor has died.
Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant confirmed in a text message to reporters that Taylor was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle after becoming ill at his home Monday morning. He died a short time after arriving at the hospital.
He was halfway through his fourth term on the council.
Merchant’s office did not immediately release a cause of death or other information.
Taylor, who has served on the council since 2006, has been a proponent for enhancing Columbus families, schools, jobs, safety and stronger communities. His experience included being a member of the Ad-Hoc committee for the Columbus Soccer Complex, member of intergovernmental relationship advisory committee, member of the city of Columbus insurance committee and had nearly 30 years of experience in transportation.
According to the city’s website, Taylor was an avid sports fan. He loved working with Columbus High School Basketball Program and often worked with the youth in Columbus.
He is the husband of Terry Taylor and has three daughters; Latoya, Miracle and Gelissa. He was a member of Zion Gate Missionary Baptist Church.
The Dispatch will update this story as more information becomes available.
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