Cyclist Killed in Accident Identified as Paul Taylor, 53
Taylor was known for volunteering as a soccer coach and organizing Oak Grove United Methodist Church's annual BBQ fundraiser.
The bicyclist killed Monday morning in Decatur has been identified as Paul Taylor, 53, known for being a volunteer soccer coach and chairman of the Oak Grove United Methodist Church’s annual barbecue fundraiser.
Taylor was struck by a pickup truck in the 2200 block of North Decatur Road shortly before 6:30am Monday, Decatur police said. He was pronounced dead at DeKalb Medical.
A.S. Turner & Sons funeral home said visitation will be 6pm - 8pm Wednesday, May 2, at the funeral home at 2773 North Decatur Road and from 5pm - 7pm Thursday, May 3, at Oak Grove United Methodist Church at 1772 Oak Grove Road.
The funeral will be at 7pm Thursday at the church.
Taylor was quoted in the New York Times last October in a story about the 50th anniversary of the fundraising barbecue at Oak Grove United Methodist.
Paul Taylor, the longtime chairman of the autumn rite, marveled under cerulean skies that not once in 50 years had it been marred by rain. “We always joke that Jesus must love barbecue,” he said (never minding the whole kosher thing). By 1 p.m., the parking lot was its usual nightmare, and the lines of barbecue supplicants, anticipating October’s third Saturday like Christmas, snaked down both sides of the fellowship hall and out the back doors.
The website for CFC East soccer said soccer fields at Pleasantdale Park were closed Monday out of respect to the family:
It is with great sadness that we have to tell you of the death of our U11G Academy parent coach, Paul Taylor. Paul was riding his bike in the Decatur area early this morning, was struck by a vehicle and died on the way to the hospital.
Decatur police Capt. Scott Richardson said he didn’t know if any charges would be filed.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution published photos from the wreck scene.
In This article
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Oak Grove United Methodist Church
1722 Oak Grove Rd, Decatur, GA -
DeKalb Medical
2701 N Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA -
Joe Mizereck
2:05 pm on Tuesday, May 1, 2012
So sad...please...motorists and cyclists...let's be careful out there...we have to do a better job at sharing OUR roads...and that starts with everyone being more respectful, responsible and paying attention. Accidents will happen...but, many don't need to happen.
Let's learn from this tragedy and commit, in Paul's memory, to work harder and smarter at making our roads safer for all travelers...we can do this, we just need to roll up our sleeves and make it happen...no excuses...lives are at stake. Lives like Paul's.
My deepest condolences to Paul's family and friends.
Joe Mizereck, Founder, The "3 Feet Please" Campaign
Carol Bulmer
8:16 am on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
So, so sad. People are in such a hurry these days. Fast and faster is never enough. Running lights, speeding, tailgating and not slowing down for bikers and peds. We all need to calm down leave earlier and think about the big picture. That latte isn't important, being five minutes late isn't that important, life is important and what an terrible loss this is. Slow down, everyone!
Pat
10:36 am on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
"Decatur police Capt. Scott Richardson said he didn’t know if any charges would be filed." Please provide more reporting about this statement.
Laura Sweeney
11:54 am on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
I drive the roads of Atlanta quite often in the early morning. There are so many thoughtless people in a hurry. They pass both from the left and the right. These people start their days in a hurry. Some of the truckers even tailgate behind smaller vehicles like mine to intimidate us. The police need to step up and give tickets to thoughtless drivers.
Joaniejaye
4:28 pm on Monday, October 29, 2012
The Doctor who help saved my life is gone, and I just knew about it today 10/29/2012 - Monday. I was so sick, and was getting ready to possible have surgery. It did not happen because of the good works of Dr. Taylor. I was sitting in the waiting room for him one day when someone told me how good he was, and that he was the best doctor ever. Goodbye Dr. Taylor, you saved my life and I did not have a chance to say thanks. I went back to the hospital and was told you were no longer there. You were just waiting to save my life I guess, and just like that you are gone.
The pain is unbearable, and all I could do was cry, Peace perfect peace doctor.
Joanie Joy