George Taylor: Teacher – Coach – Gentleman, Part 1
This is part one of a three-part series on the life of Hall of Fame Grey Ghosts Coach George Taylor, the namesake of the high school’s Taylor Field.
A legend is defined as an extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field. George Taylor’s legacy spans multiple areas, including the gridiron and the broader field of life.
Join me as we reflect on the life of George Taylor, a journey in three parts: youth, adulthood, and retirement. As a young man, George grew, learned, and explored, laying the foundation for his future. In adulthood, he took on responsibilities, built his career, and started a family, using his skills to help others along the way. In retirement, he enjoyed life and shared his wisdom with those around him. Each phase of his life brought unique challenges and rewards, shaping a complete and fulfilling journey. Discover how each chapter of his life contributed to the legacy of this remarkable individual.
In Orchardville, Illinois, a small town about two hundred miles south of Chillicothe, a journey began. George Gail Taylor entered the world on July 25, 1910, destined to leave an impression on his community and beyond; however, his journey from a small boy to a young man was marked by hardship, heartbreak, and pitfalls.
George was born to Joseph and Jesse Taylor. At 7 years old, his mother died unexpectedly, and he was sent to live with his grandparents. 4 years later, his grandfather passed away forcing him to quit school. He found a job working as a “hired hand” for a family on a nearby farm. When the family moved to Walnut, Illinois, George went with them. It was in Walnut where George saw school children walk by and realized he needed to find a way to continue his education. He proposed to the farmer that he would work for free, in exchange for the farmer’s help to enroll and then complete Grade School. Later, George hired on with a different family and finished high school in Walnut. He graduated third in his class of 1929.
George’s introduction to sports began at Walnut High School, where he saw his first football game. Reflecting on his early years, he said, “I hadn’t watched football until high school. My coach saw potential in me as an end, and I played that position throughout.” George quickly established himself as a fierce competitor as noted in his senior yearbook. He was described as one of the team’s most valuable players for his strong tackling and skillful handling of passes, qualities his coach praised.
George demonstrated athletic versatility beyond football by participating in basketball and engaging in various activities such as the Junior and Senior Class Plays. His high school years were filled with diverse experiences, shaping him into a well-rounded individual committed to both sports and academics.
After high school, George headed to Eureka College where his love of football continued for the next four years. It was there that he struck up a friendship and became teammates with another young man who would go on to become President of the United States—Ronald Reagan. Together, they formed bonds that would endure a lifetime.
After graduating from Eureka College in 1933 with a degree in chemistry, George Taylor faced the harsh reality of the Great Depression and struggled to find a job in his field. Determined to make the best of his situation, he decided to take a job as an assistant football coach at Eureka College, coaching along his former coach, Ralph “Mac” McKenzie. The following year, George began his career as a coach and teacher in Danvers, Illinois. During that period, he reconnected with Rena Christensen, who had been his music teacher at Walnut High School while George was a student.
Despite the eight-year age difference between them, George and Rena’s friendship blossomed into love. In 1935, they got married, started a family together and embarked on a lifelong journey of shared dreams and mutual support. Their wedding took place in Walnut, Illinois. Everything was going well for the Taylors and in November of 1939, they welcomed their first son, Ronald Gale Taylor. However, in 1943, as they were expecting their second child, tragedy struck. Rena died shortly after giving birth to their second son, Tommy Tim (Josh) Taylor, leaving George to raise their two young children on his own.
While still reeling from the loss of his wife, George continued doing what he knew best; coaching and teaching were what kept him going. Since leaving college, he had coached in Danvers, Manlius, and Bradford, leaving each program in better shape than he found it. In July of 1945, his next coaching assignment would land him in Chillicothe. He set his sights on Chillicothe, a fresh start for himself and his two sons on the horizon. Little did he realize that his last action in Bradford would set the stage for the rest of his life.
George went into his bank to withdraw his money before heading to Chillicothe when the teller asked him what he was going to do with all that money. He replied, “I don’t know, maybe I will come back and spend it on you!” That bank teller was Dorothy Gubbins, who would eventually become his wife.
Next month: Coach Taylor brings his winning ways to Chillicothe and beyond.