This is the final part 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.

After a remarkable 37-year career in coaching and teaching, George Taylor retired in 1972, but his dedication to his community remained strong. George and Dorothy left Chillicothe for a peaceful 322-acre farm in Revere, Missouri. George, who grew up on a farm and loved animals, embraced this new chapter with enthusiasm. Dorothy described George’s role on the farm as that of a “gentleman farmer,” reflecting a refined approach to farm life. Despite the rural setting, their connection to Chillicothe and the impact George had on his former students and athletes remained strong.

In 1973, the George Taylor Award was created in Chillicothe to honor a student, athlete, or non-athlete who exemplified George’s values of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. The first recipient, Gary Lee Crull, set the standard for future generations. Reflecting on his relationship with George, Gary shared: “I never had George as a science teacher, but I learned the science of life through him.” As a football coach and mentor, George taught us mental toughness and the will to win. His integrity and guidance have stayed with me throughout my life. I felt humbled and overwhelmed when Coach Taylor presented the award to me in person. Many of us remember those late-night practices with no lights. He would say, “run that play one more time.” We executed that play until we got it right and then it was time to hit the shower. His discipline has carried me through life’s challenges. My fondest memory was returning to Chillicothe after college to reminisce with George. He was a special man, coach, and mentor.

George’s legacy was solidified in 1977 with his induction into the Illinois Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his remarkable career as a coach and marking him as one of Central Illinois’ most respected figures. The following year, his contributions were further honored with the dedication of Taylor Field at Illinois Valley Central High School, a lasting tribute to a man who gave so much to the school, its students, and the community.

Although the Taylors enjoyed their time in Missouri, there is no place like home. After more than a decade living on the farm, they decided to return to Chillicothe in 1983. Their return was met with warmth and admiration from a community that had never forgotten them.

That same year, Sue Yocum received the George Taylor Award. Reflecting on the honor, she shared how much admiration she had for Coach Taylor as a coach, educator, and community member. He was a legend who was respected by student athletes. Sue was surprised when she won the award. It took time to sink in, but seeing the pride in her father’s eyes when she received the award left a lasting impact. For Sue, the award became a life lesson: “Show up every day and try, and in the end, some good things will come from it, or at the very least, you will feel well-satisfied that you tried to make a difference.”

George continued to receive accolades for his life’s work and in 1985, he was inducted into the Eureka College Football Hall of Fame, honoring his contributions as both a player and a coach. The recognition from his alma mater was a fitting tribute to a man whose life had been dedicated to the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

In 1986, George was recognized by the Chillicothe Rotary Club as “Citizen of the Year.” This honor reflected not only his achievements as a coach but also his role as a community leader and mentor. George’s commitment to his community, his dedication to nurturing young minds, and his unwavering support for his family and friends were qualities that resonated with everyone who knew him.

George Taylor passed away on July 26th, 1994, one day after his 84th birthday. His passing marked the end of an era, but his legacy continued to live on through the countless lives he had touched over his 37-year career in coaching and teaching. The community grieved for a man who had given so much to others, but they also took comfort in the lasting difference he had made in their lives.

Reflecting on what George Taylor meant to him, Thom Behrens, a former student, athlete, and employee of George, shared how deeply George had influenced his life. Thom remembered asking George for his first job at Shore Acres as a 14-year-old, where he learned invaluable life lessons that shaped his character and work ethic. George, next to his own father, was the most influential man in Thom’s life, teaching him the importance of doing a good job right the first time, and both George and Dorothy instilled values that Thom carried with him throughout the years. Even decades later, Thom felt a profound sense of pride knowing that George was proud of him, and he cherished the memories and life lessons imparted by his mentor.

In 1995, Jason Morrell and Pody Baker-Goines became the first recipients of the George Taylor Award after George’s passing. In his first year at IVC, Jason saw the trophy and decided he wanted his name on it someday. It wasn’t until awards night when his name was announced, that he realized he was up for the award. Reflecting later, he understood how much it meant to him. After high school, Morrell became an assistant varsity basketball coach, aiming to instill a strong work ethic in his players, just as he imagined Coach Taylor did. He coached for 12 seasons before moving out of the area, saying his compensation was giving back to future Grey Ghosts.

Pody Baker-Goines also felt deeply honored to win the award. She expressed her respect for the recipients who came before her and noted how recognition for hard work and dedication leaves a lasting impact. Pody, a teacher in the IVC School District for 22 years, continues to uphold the values of the award, furthering George Taylor’s legacy through her dedication to education.

In 2009, George Taylor’s biggest supporter for nearly 50 years, his wife Dorothy Taylor, died in Phoenix, Arizona. The devoted wife and proud mother passed away 64 years after they first met. The couple, who spent many years befriending generations of Chillicotheans, would be reunited once again.

Ryan Adler and Tyler Lauber were the most recent recipients of the George Taylor Award in the spring of 2024, marking 52 years and 55 award winners. Ryan said, “It is such an honor to receive the George Taylor Award. I am grateful to be recognized for the effort I put into sports. After receiving the award, I learned more about George Taylor’s story, making it one of my biggest achievements.” Tyler added, “I didn’t know much about Coach Taylor, only that the football field was named after him. But I knew it was an honor to win the award and to be included with the IVC student-athlete award winners who came before me.”

Current IVC Football Coach Tim Heinz is the second-winningest coach in Chillicothe history, behind only George Taylor. Now in his 20th season, Heinz has a win-loss record of 94-86. When asked if his players knew much about Coach Taylor’s legacy, Heinz said, “Most players are probably unaware of Coach Taylor other than the football field being named for him. Maybe some know of him due to past connections through their parents or grandparents.”

George Taylor’s retirement years were a time of reflection, recognition, and continued influence. His legacy was not just in the records he set or the games he won, but in the lives he influenced and the community he helped build. As George and Dorothy settled back into life in Chillicothe in their final years, they knew that George’s life work had left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His story is one of perseverance, dedication, and love—a legacy that continues to inspire.

George Taylor: Teacher – Coach – Gentleman, Part 1

George Taylor: Teacher – Coach – Gentleman, Part 2