This is part two 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.

In 1945, at the age of thirty-five, George Taylor arrived in Chillicothe with his two young sons, seeking a fresh start after the tragic loss of his wife, Rena. Sharp-looking, energetic, and full of determination, George was ready to make a new life for himself and his family. This move to Chillicothe marked his third coaching job in 10 years, showing his commitment to coaching and his ability to overcome life’s challenges. Little did he know that Chillicothe would become the stage for the next and most influential chapter of his life.

George’s arrival in Chillicothe was met with excitement and enthusiasm. Not only was he their new football coach, but he would also be the coach for basketball, baseball, and track and field. The student body, especially the female students, quickly came up with a cheer for their new, handsome coach: “He’s a peach, he’s a dream, he’s the coach of our team!” This cheer echoed through the stands at every game, reflecting the community’s high hopes and admiration for their new leader. 

Coach Taylor brought his winning ways to both football and basketball at Chillicothe. In his first season on the gridiron, he achieved an impressive record of eight wins and only one loss. His team outscored their opponents 208 to 84, setting a high standard for future seasons. On the hardwood, Taylor’s first team set a new school record with 24 wins to 4 defeats. This was a great start in his new setting.

Behind every good man is a great woman, and for George Taylor, that woman was Dorothy Gubbins. In November of 1946, George’s life took a joyful turn when he married Dorothy, the bank teller he had jokingly promised to spend his money on. Their marriage brought stability and happiness back into his life and together they created a loving home for Ron and Tim. Two years later in October 1948, they welcomed a daughter, Vicki Ann, completing their family.

In 1949, George began working for the Chillicothe Park District as the director of the summer recreation program before moving on to become Superintendent of the Park District grounds at Shore Acres. His summer life at Shore Acres and the grounds were more significant than people understood, as it was George, his sons, and a few others who helped to plant many of the trees that are now still in existence at the park.

In 1952, the Taylor family moved into the historic Shore Acres Clubhouse which dates back to 1915 when it was first built by the Peoria Automobile Club as a venue for social events. They lived at the clubhouse for the next 20 years, spending two decades raising their kids along the Illinois River. George and Dorothy devoted their summers, much like the school years, to the children and families in the community.

With his personal life in balance, George’s professional life continued to prosper as he managed his responsibilities with the Park District alongside his passion for coaching. Over the years, he built an impressive coaching legacy that left a permanent impression on Chillicothe Township High School. As head football coach, George’s teams achieved a remarkable win-loss record of 162-79-11, securing 12 conference championships. Over a seven-year period from 1951 to 1957, his team had a combined record of 56 wins, 7 losses, and 2 ties, including a 27-game win streak and going undefeated in three seasons: 1954-55, 1955-56, and 1957-58. His dedication and skill as a coach were clear in the success of his players, including his sons, Ron and Tim, who both played quarterback for him. Ron would go on to be the quarterback at the University of Missouri, while Tim went to Dartmouth and completed his juris doctor, eventually becoming a successful television actor known as Josh Taylor.

Few Central Illinois football coaches were better known and more successful than George Taylor. With an amazing career spanning 36 years, his contributions to his community and his athletes were unparalleled. Beyond football, George’s versatility as a coach shone through his involvement in other sports. For 22 years, he coached basketball, winning eight league championships. In track and field, his teams earned 23 trophies over 25 years. He also coached baseball for a decade, contributing to the athletic excellence of Chillicothe High School.

In May 1968, after the school year ended, Chillicothe High School became known as Illinois Valley Central Unit District 321. This transition marked a new chapter in the community’s educational landscape, but George’s dedication to his students and athletes remained unwavering. He continued to lead and inspire through his final years of coaching, ensuring a smooth transition for the new district.

George was not only a coach but also a teacher of Math and Science. While he was not a person who yelled at his students, it was noticeably clear that he ran a tight ship in the classroom, emphasizing discipline and respect. Almost every person who attended Chillicothe Township High School and Illinois Valley Central High School between 1945 and 1972 would have had George Taylor as a teacher in some capacity. His coaching legacy ended in May of 1972 when he retired from teaching and coaching. His career was celebrated not only for his impressive records but also for the positive impact he had on countless young athletes. George’s coaching philosophy extended beyond the playing field; he instilled values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance in his players, shaping them into well-rounded individuals.

In May of 1972, around 350 people gathered in the high school gymnasium for George Taylor’s retirement dinner. The Saturday evening program surrounded by friends, family, and former players was spent reminiscing over the most memorable moments about a great guy. With George and Dorothy sitting in rocking chairs on stage, the this-is-your-life program was capped off with a phone call from Ronald “Dutch” Reagan, Governor of California. Reagan, who had been George’s teammate at Eureka College, offered his heartfelt well wishes for George’s retirement, and expressed regrets for being unable to attend. This gesture highlighted the enduring impact George had on everyone he met, from small-town players to future presidents.

Next month: Coach Taylor embarks on retirement but continues to leave his mark on the community.

George Taylor: Teacher – Coach – Gentleman, Part 1