LIFE REFLECTIONS O F
Retired Chief Willie James Taylor Mr. Willie James Taylor was born on September 12, 1939, in Thomas County, Georgia, to the late Columbus and Helen Taylor. He was the eldest of six siblings and was affectionately known by his family and friends simply as “Taylor” or “T.” To others, he was known as W. J. or Taylor, and to his colleagues, he was proudly known as Chief Taylor. After a long illness, Mr. Taylor quietly transitioned from this earthly life, peacefully surrounded by the love and comfort of his devoted wife, Linda Boswell Taylor, of 43 years. Taylor was an exceptional student whose academic excellence began in primary school and continued throughout high school. He was a proud straight-A student and was elected Class President and President of his class’s National Honor Society. He was also honored as the best all-around athlete in his graduating class. Taylor excelled in football, basketball, and track and was especially proud of his accomplishments as a studentathlete. Of special significance to him was his connection to the track program, whose coach worked with the late Reverend Andy Young. Taylor continued his education at Morehouse College, where he attended on both an academic and athletic scholarship. While at Morehouse, he remained active in athletics, including participation on the competitive swimming team. Following college, Taylor answered the call to serve his country by joining the Special Forces Branch of the United States Army, where he steadily rose through the ranks. After completing his military service, he returned home and was presented with an opportunity to choose between a career with Delta Air Lines and the Atlanta Police Department. He chose a life of service through law enforcement and began what would become a distinguished career with the Atlanta Police Department. Taylor made history on his very first assignment. He and one other officer were selected by then-Police Chief Herbert T. Jenkins to become the first Black officers assigned to direct traffic at Five Points in downtown Atlanta. Throughout his career, Taylor continued to break barriers, becoming one of only four Black Deputy Police Chiefs and the first Black officer to ride a three-wheeled motorcycle. Among the many accomplishments of which Taylor was proud was his role in transporting Yolanda King and Martin Luther King III to school each day. His career allowed him to serve, protect, mentor, train, and represent the City of Atlanta in numerous capacities. Taylor was an active member of several professional and civic organizations. He was a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), where he served two full terms as President of the Georgia Chapter. He was also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). Taylor's professional career took him across the United States and around the world. He traveled extensively to police jurisdictions to receive and provide training and was sometimes called upon to deliver impromptu speeches on behalf of Commissioner George Napper. His travels included the Netherlands, Amsterdam, Holland, Tokyo, Japan, Monrovia and Liberia, Africa, the Virgin Islands—including St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas—as well as Trinidad and Tobago and many locations throughout the United States.
Shortly after meeting Linda, Taylor was sent to the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where he completed extensive training. His admission to the program required a thorough and exceptionally clean background investigation, a reflection of the integrity and professionalism he carried throughout his career. Taylor was entrusted with one of the most significant responsibilities in the City of Atlanta when he served as Chief of Security for the city's Olympic venues. He oversaw uniformed officers, including SWAT, and played a major role in the law enforcement response during the era of the missing and murdered children in the 1970s. Chief Taylor coordinated the efforts of numerous law enforcement agencies, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In preparation for the 1996 Olympic Games, Taylor worked under the auspices of Bill Rathburn, A. D. Frazier, and Morris Dillard of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG). He traveled to Barcelona, Spain, where he spent a month observing the Summer Games and gaining valuable insight for Atlanta's preparations. During the organizing stages of the Atlanta Games, Taylor opened his home and hosted a getacquainted cookout for the managing team, bringing together those who would help make history in Atlanta. Taylor's life was one of service, leadership, accomplishment, and family. He loved sharing the stories of his remarkable journey, and family members and friends often encouraged him to put his experiences into writing. In 2024, he finally accepted the challenge and began writing his story. His book was completed and published in mid-2025—an accomplishment that brought him tremendous pride and stands as one of his final achievements before illness overtook him.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Taylor was first and foremost a devoted family man. He cherished his children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. His love and devotion to his wife, Linda, were unmistakable. He could hardly speak without mentioning “my wife.” Their 43 years together were a testament to companionship, love, and devotion. Taylor also expressed his love through food and fellowship. He enjoyed cooking and bringing his family together for large dinners. There was always more than enough food, and he made certain that everyone left with a to-go plate to enjoy later. Taylor was a faithful member of Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral and the Seasoned Saints Ministry, where he continued to grow in faith and fellowship. Taylor was preceded in death by his siblings, Mr. Linton Taylor and Ms. Gloria Taylor. He leaves to cherish his memory and mourn his passing his beloved wife, Linda Boswell Taylor; his daughters, Kia Lee and Dion Richardson (Leon); his son, Shaun Boswell; his cherished daughter-in-law, Alfreda; his grandchildren; his sisters, Mrs. Mary Thomas (Otis); Ms. Mary E. Brown, Mrs. Elizabeth Mitchell (Willie Joe) and Ms. Christine Taylor Duncan; his sisters-in-law, Sandra (Harold), Cheryl (Tommy), and Cynthia (Jimmy); and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and colleagues.
Order
of Service Processional “I Trust in God” Hymn of Celebration Prayer Pastor Bryan Allen Scripture Selection Old Testament Reverend Myrtle Pearson Elmore New Testament Reverend Tony Hill Musical Selection Shelley Williams “Goodness of God”
Reflections: Kia Taylor Dion Richardson Shaun Boswell Mohdd Lyles Alex Stickney Obituary (Read Silently) Musical Selection “Safe in His Arms” Dion Richardson, Daughter Eulogy Bishop Richard B. Langford Sr. *Retired, Atlanta International Christian Praise Center Acknowledgments Alecia Cole, Granddaughter
Benediction Recessional
Man can be remembered in life for many things, but the most positive way to do this is to mention his measurements of the important components related to everyday living. He should not be measured by his knowledge of books; for he might not be able to read. He should not be measured by his physical stature; some men grow taller than others. He should not be measured by the size of his bank account; for money cannot buy everything we need in our lives. He should not be measured by the color of his skin; the color of one’s skin does not depict the inner feelings or thoughts of an individual. Therefore, a man should be and can be effectively measured by the following concepts: He should be measured by the depth of his knowledge and how he relates to this knowledge with his fellow man. He should be measured by the breadth of his interest in the well-being of his family and all mankind. He should be measured by the height of his ideas that have been set for himself, his family, and his friends. He should be measured by the interest he had in his fellow man. Those of us who knew Willie Taylor could sense the devotion he harbored for his loved ones and friends. The good that a man does lives long after him, so remember all of the good things he has done, and try to emulate them, if you can.
Flower Ladies Seasoned Saints Ministry
Honorary Pallbearers Atlanta Police Department
Interment Greenwood Cemetery 1173 Cascade Circle, S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30310
Acknowledgements The Taylor family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love and support during their hour of bereavement. Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent a funeral spray. If so, we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say, Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much, whatever the part.
Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home Historic West End Chapel 1003 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard Atlanta, Georgia 30310 404-758-1731 | www.williewatkins.com The K Effect, Print & Design, 678-732-5937