City of Columbus remembers Ward 1 Councilman Gene Taylor

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) -Monday morning Columbus City Councilman Gene Taylor passed away.

He served Ward 1 for 13 years.

Those who knew Councilmen Taylor said he was always easy to approach, greeting you with a smile.

He’s being remembered for his work with the city and always pushing to help others.

“We are going to really miss Mr.Taylor. Columbus has lost a great councilman,” said friend Gretta Garedener.

Gardener has known Gene Taylor most of her life.

She said he held several roles – husband, father and grandfather were some of the most important.

He also served in his church and loved sports.

“He always wanted to help people. He was the type of person that would help anybody,” said Gardener.

Since 2006, Taylor has worked endlessly for southside neighborhoods in Columbus.

He wanted to improve the quality of life for citizens.

Mayor Robert Smith said Taylor lived a life devoted to his city.

“He was a man of character, dignity, and he had respect for others. He loved Ward 1 dearly,” said Mayor Smith.

Ward 5 Councilman Stephen Jones said Taylor was always focusing on making improvements.

“He would always talk about his ward. The things that we can do to help the city, what ideas he had we would share them and try to come up with solutions on what we would do,” said Jones.

When Taylor wasn’t on city duty, he spent time at Zion Gates Missionary Baptist Church.

Pastor James A. Boyd said Taylor attended his church for 10 years.

“He was a guy of passion, he had what all Christians ought to have and that’s a conscience. Pick up his demeanor and try to pick up some of the lifestyles that he portrayed,” said Boyd.

“He served his purpose and God knows what’s best for all of us and I wish his family and give them my deepest condolences,” said Jones.

“Loving, outstanding, a lovable love of God and for his church, his family, and community,” said Gardener.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.