Henry James Taylor, Jr.

Mr. Henry James Taylor, Jr. 1025 Georgia HWY 49 West, Milledgeville, Georgia departed this life on Friday, July 5, 2019 at his residence. 

Funeral services were held on Friday, July 12, 2019 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of All Faiths, Milledgeville, Georgia. Interment followed in the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Milledgeville, Georgia.

Henry J. Taylor, Jr., transitioned from this life on July 5, 2019, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family.

Henry James Taylor, Jr., was born on June 14, 1939, to the parentage of Lillie Mae and Henry James Taylor in Milledgeville, Georgia.  He was one of six children.  His formative years were spent attending elementary through high school in the Baldwin County public school system.  He was a member of Second Macedonia Baptist Church.

Henry served as the class president for J.F. Boddie High School, class of 1958.  After graduation, he attended Paine College of Augusta, Georgia, where he pursued a Psychology degree and lettered in football as an All-Conference running back.  In 1962, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.  There, he obtained the level of Expert Marksmanship with firearms. 

Henry J. Taylor, Jr. and Rita Waller were united in matrimony on September 15, 1961.  Their union remained strong for 46 years and was blessed with three children: Lisa, Henry III, and Victor.

Once he completed his military career, he returned to his home roots, Milledgeville, Georgia; in order to pursue his college degree and raise his family.  In 1969, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology from Georgia College in Milledgeville, Georgia.  In 1975, he served as Post Commander of the American Legion Post 523.  He was also a member of the Zodiac Men’s Club.

In 1966, Henry began his lifetime career at Central State Hospital (CSH) as a Health Service Technician.  In 1971, he was promoted to a Personnel Analyst and went on to become the first African American administrator in the Personnel Office at CSH.  After 30 years of service with the state of Georgia, he retired in 1996, as Central State Hospital’s Personnel Director.  Following his retirement, he spent his time boating, fishing, and traveling.  He devoted most of his time and energy to mentoring, teaching, and coaching his children, grandchildren and their friends on how to maximize their potential to “Think Big” and to be the best person possible.  He was a firm disciplinarian when it came to hard work, integrity, and moral character.  His motto in life was “There is an ART to Everything.” He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his legacy three children: daughter, Lisa Taylor Marks of Milledgeville, Georgia; two sons, Henry J. Taylor III (Stephanie) of Augusta, Georgia, and Victor M. Taylor (Twanda) of Apopka, Florida; two sisters, Dorothy Holsey (Seaborn) of Eatonton, Georgia, and Mildred Hamilton (Jessie) of Milledgeville, Georgia; two sisters-in-law, Ernestine Butts of Milledgeville, Georgia, and Betty Waller of Chicago, Illinois and two brothersin-law, Jerome Waller (Gayle) of Milledgeville, Georgia, and Shannon Waller (Jechell) of Gray, Georgia.  Eight (8) grandchildren, Brandiss, Darian, Haley, Jessica, Morgan, Savannah, Rachel, and Victor Jr.; one great grandchild, Riley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. 

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