Cyclist Killed in Accident Identified as Paul Taylor, 53

The has been identified as Paul Taylor, 53, known for being a volunteer soccer coach and chairman of the ’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 .

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.