Thaddeus Taylor Jr.

Thaddeus Taylor, Jr. was born on January 19, 1925, and departed this life on December 31, 2025. He was the only son of Thaddeus Taylor, MD and Mattie Hubley. His life was marked by service, faith, family, and creativity.
Thaddeus spent his early childhood in New Orleans before his family moved to Shreveport, Louisiana. It was in Shreveport that, at age six, he discovered a love for fishing. The family later returned to New Orleans when Thaddeus was in third grade, where he completed his high school education.
At the age of 18, Thaddeus was drafted into the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served honorably for two years, nine months, and 18 days. During his service, he was part of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment and worked as a Shore Patrolman while stationed overseas in Exeter, England. After the war, in 1951, Thaddeus graduated from Dillard University. While attending Dillard, he discovered a passion for photography in an unexpected place-he ingeniously converted his clothes closet into a darkroom. This early spark of creativity remained a constant thread throughout his life.
Following graduation, Thaddeus attended The Iliff School of Theology in Denver. He soon became Deputy Director of the Colorado State Children's Home. During this period, he married, welcomed two children, and later divorced.
In 1963, Thaddeus registered as a member of the Bahá'í Faith in Aurora, Colorado. He began working for the Job Corps in Cadillac, Michigan, and later at Battle Creek Job Corps. There he began the next chapter of his life with his wife Vera on December 31, 1965.
After two years, Thaddeus and Vera moved to Lima, Ohio, where he welcomed his third son. The family later moved to Miami, Florida, where his fourth son was born. During this time, Thaddeus worked for the National Council on Aging. His commitment to community service continued as he moved from Atlanta to Delaware and back. Ultimately, he served as Director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center for the City of Atlanta, honoring Dr. King's legacy, fostering community connections, and making a lasting impact.
Following his retirement, Thaddeus worked briefly for the Environmental Protection Agency. He left a lasting impact in various communities and remained devoted to his passion for photography, capturing moments and stories of both ordinary and famous people, including Nat King Cole, Jackie Robinson, and Matthew Henson. He cherished spending time fishing, bowling, and participating in the Bahá'í community. His love of the outdoors and photography continued to bring him joy throughout his life.
Family and friends gathered to celebrate Thaddeus's 100th birthday. He stood as a living example of how service, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose can shape a life of enduring impact. His journey was a rich tapestry of memories, achievements, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams.
Thaddeus is survived by his wife, Vera Smoot Taylor, and his four sons: Thaddeus Polk and wife Donna of Naches, Washington; Darwyn Lee, Andrew Sharaf, and Derek Rahmat of Atlanta, Georgia. He also leaves to cherish his memory two granddaughters, Kendyl Clarice and Derrica Marie of Atlanta, Georgia; a niece, Adele Walker of Dallas, Texas; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins in Shreveport, Memphis, and Los Angeles.