Tilmon Taylor

Tilmon was one of eight children born and raised in the small town of Rayville, Louisiana. He worked his way through Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After graduating with a degree in special education, his teaching career began in Rayville, Louisiana. During a one-month visit with his aunt and pioneer Jessie Robinson, he fell in love with the state of Alaska. A teaching position was applied for and accepted on the same day in June 1970, and the beginning of his legacy began to blossom.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District education career began for Tilmon at Lathrop High School. After four years of teaching at Lathrop, Tilmon was offered a position to develop a work-study program for the district's special needs students. To this day, the program he designed is used throughout the district to assist our students with classroom development and essential life skills. After successful expansion of the work-study program, Tilmon advanced to head coordinator of special education. He oversaw the programs at Lathrop, West Valley, North Pole and Eielson Air Force Base high schools until he retired.
After 29 years as a teacher and administrator, Tilmon continued his public service and involvement in the local community as a full-time volunteer. Activities during and after his teaching career included:
• Assisted in the development of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "Hoops For Scholars" annual basketball tournament in Fairbanks. The purpose was to bring people together of all cultural backgrounds, from many different areas of the country, and provide continuing education scholarships to aspiring youth. More than $56,000 has been awarded to deserving athletic-scholars in Fairbanks to pursue their educational goals.
• Past president of the local NAACP Branch. During his presidency, the unit succeeded in persuading the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District to officially recognize the third Monday in January as a national holiday for all school district employees and students, in the memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Member of the American Legion Post 57. Recognized as a Civilian Friend of the U.S. Army-Fort Wainwright. Provided support to current and past U.S. Military personnel, The Fairbanks Police Department and their families with various activities.
Tilmon leaves to cherish his memories: A loving and devoted son, Delmone Taylor; two brothers, Cartrell Taylor of Houston, Texas, and Sylvester Taylor of Rayville, Louisiana; four sisters, Caroline Landis and Betty Martin of Monroe, Louisiana, and Louise Taylor and Florida Taylor of Rayville, Louisiana; and a host of nephews, nieces and many loving friends.