Mr. Gene Arther Taylor was born June 8, 1954 in Columbus, MS to Juliette Tate Taylor and William Henry Taylor. He confessed hope in Christ at the age of 13 at the New Zion Pilgrim Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Milton Fields. He later joined Zion Gate M.B. Church under the leadership of Dr. James A Boyd. Mr. Taylor grew up in Columbus, MS and attended the Concord Schools. In May of 1974, He received his diploma from Ministerial Institute & College and later attended East Mississippi Community College to further his education.

Mr. Taylor was employed with Sysco as a truck driver for over 30 years where he later retired. In 2006, he felt the need to be of service to his community and was elected as City Councilman for Ward 1. He served the citizens of Ward 1 from 2006-2019. During his tenure as councilman, he was selected as vice mayor. As a councilman, his passion was not only Ward 1 but the entire city of Columbus. His desire was to serve in whatever capacity needed; whether it was volunteering, community organizing, or simply sharing a wonderful conversation with anyone he crossed paths with. Mr. Taylor was an advocate of sports. His favorite sports team was the Dallas Cowboys and he was a big supporter of the Columbus High School Lady Falcons Basketball Team. Above everything Mr. Taylor did for others, he was a family man who loved his wife, children and grandchildren wholeheartedly. He loved old western TV shows including Gun Smoke.

Mr. Taylor departed this life on August 5, 2019 in Columbus, MS. He is preceded in death by his parents: William Henry and Juliette Taylor; son, Shanta Henderson; his siblings: Essie D. Baldwin, Willie James Taylor, Julia M. Taylor, and George Lee Taylor.

Gene Taylor's legacy will forever be cherished by his loving wife of 30 years: Terry Taylor of Columbus, MS; his children, LaToya Taylor, Gelissa Taylor both of Columbus, MS, Miracle (Deon) Thames of Euless, TX, Tenessa Smith of Tuscaloosa, AL, and Demarco Hunter of Columbus, MS; his grandchildren, Kaitlynn McCoy, TeeAndre Crummie and Traylon Hunter; God-daughter, Chelsie Sparks; his siblings, Oscar (Mary) Taylor of St. Louis, MO, Annie Ruth McKnight of Milwaukee, WI, Eli (Dorsie) Taylor, Ethel (Johnny) Stewart, Glinda (Rev. James)  Samuel, Jimmie (Rose) Taylor all of Columbus, MS; Mack A. Taylor of Plano, TX, Mary (Sanders, Jr.) McGee, Joe Taylor, Barbara A. (Terry) Williams all of Columbus, MS, and Ozzie B. (Melvin Jean) Verdell of Brooksville, MS; he also leaves a host of Sisters-In-Law, Brothers-In-Law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.