George Warren Taylor

PHOENIX – George Warren Taylor, 92, of Phoenix, passed on May 8, 15 months after the passing of beloved wife, Leslie May. Born Sept. 11, 1925 in North Dakota to James and Maude Taylor. His path was a Horatio Alger, Jr., type odyssey: Awarded “Most Industrious Boy in America” title after winning a Ward’s catalog national sales contest with prizes including a train trip for the family to the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair during The Great Depression. Later the family, after untimely deaths of his father and brother Wallace, moved to Portland, OR leading to his enlistment in the Marine Corps; a WWII combat veteran earning 3 campaign buttons at Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Vella Lavella. After WWII he attended Portland State, and then the University of Oregon becoming a lifelong Duck fan. His life goal was to work for Coca-Cola, eventually getting hired by Coke U.S.A. leading to a 27 year career ending as General Manager, Phoenix Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Later he was appointed the first Executive Director of the Arizona Lottery by Gov. Babbitt. He served as Chairman, Maricopa County Industrial Development Authority, and he finished work life in real estate. His civic accomplishments include: Fiesta Bowl Founder; Chairman, United Way; Kiwanis President; and Fleet Week Honoree in San Diego to name a few. Family: Sons Bruce and Jeffrey; grandson George Riley, and granddaughter Pilar Bell. After marrying Leslie May in Phoenix, he was blessed with 3 daughters and son from Leslie May’s previous marriages: Susan Rice (Mrs. William Sargent), Shelley Rice (Dr. and Mrs. Harry Collins), Lisa Felch (Mrs. Rick Richards), Harry Felch (deceased). Children’s children are a Crown for the Aged; 8 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held June 2, 10:30 am, Beatitudes Life Center,1610 W. Glendale, Phoenix. Yellow coats are welcome. Memorial gifts in George’s name may be sent to: Salvation Army, 2707 E. Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ 85008