Paul "Lumberjack" Taylor

The Life of a Legend

Paul Alfred Taylor, Jr.

July 14, 1954 - October 17, 2025

In Memoriam

Paul Alfred Taylor, Jr., departed this life and transitioned on October 17, 2025, at the age of 71. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, warmth, and cherished memories.

Early Life and Education

Paul A. Taylor, Jr. was born on July 14, 1954, in Lafayette, Louisiana to Anna Mae Glaude and Paul Alfred Taylor Sr. He grew up in a loving family, attended and was a graduate of Holy Rosary Institute, and pursued a passion for all athletic sports gaining the MVP player awards from football to basketball and track. Friends and family recall him as a joyful child with a love for the martial arts where he acquired the name of Lumberjack, given for the ability to execute his style of chopping down his opponents like trees. As a young child on into his adulthood Lumberjack would sit on the porch for hours with the elderly neighbors in the community and listen to their wisdom gaining him the ability to become a light in the community. He would often lead and mentor many of the younger children by way of the wisdom, knowledge and understanding which he gained a lot from his many conversations with the elders. An interesting fact about Paul A. Taylor, Jr., was the first in history to score a touchdown for his Alma Mater Holy Rosary Institute. There was a gift in Lumberjack (Paul) that allowed him to never meet a stranger and no matter who he encountered on his life journeys from a young age to his adulthood he was and is an unforgettable soul.

Career and Accomplishments

Throughout his career, Lumberjack (Officer Taylor) was known for his dedication, professionalism, and compassion. He worked in law enforcement for 30 years retiring from Lafayette Police Department, where he made a positive impact on colleagues and the community alike. He was one of the first black motorcycle officers, taught the DARE program where many of his students commended him to this day on the huge impact Officer Taylor made on their life choices and decision making. Officer Taylor (Lumberjack) retired as Lieutenant Taylor in 2013. In addition to his career with LPD his achievements in the martial arts also earned him the award of Master Black Belt of the Black Knights Karate organization who were highly respected and admired by many in the local and surrounding communities.

Family and Personal Life

Lumberjack (Paul/Petey) is survived by his wife Tanya Thomas Taylor known for her unwavering support and unconditional love., Brother, John Carmouche (Rose), Joseph Malbreaux. Sons, Christopher George, Shawn Rubin (Kimberly), Galen Edwards, Al Thomas (Daylin) Osiris Gaines, daughters Shaterral Gabriel (Joe), Lauren Taylor, Sherita Clemons, Nephew Kevin Carmouche (Angie), Joseph Carmouche, Jr. (Bernadine) and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his Mother Anna Mae Glaude, Father Paul Alfred Taylor, Sr., brother Joseph Lee Allen Carmouche (Rose) his grandmothers, grandfathers, and a host of aunts, uncles, a granddaughter and grandson.

Remembering Paul (Lumberjack) Taylor, Jr.

Friends and loved ones will remember Lumberjack (Paul/Petey) for his generosity, wisdom, and joyful spirit. He touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Service Information

A viewing will be held at Kinchen Funeral Home LLC November 1, 2025, 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at 1011 N. St. Antoine St. Lafayette, La, 70501 and a memorial service to celebrate Lumberjack's life will immediately follow at St. Anthony Catholic Church at 615 Edison St. Lafayette, La. 70501, beginning at 11:00 am. We invite you to join us following the services for food and beverages to continue the celebration of the life and times of Lumberjack. All are welcome to attend and honor the memory of a truly remarkable individual.

May Paul (Lumberjack) Taylor, Jr. soar higher than high as his transition is completed to his next journey.

Kinchen Funeral Home Inc, 1011 North Saint Antoine Street, Lafayette LA 70501 is in charge of arrangements. Additionally, condolences to the family can be expressed on our website at www.kinchenfuneralhome.com.

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