Taylor remembered as a ‘true gentleman’

Colleagues of Neil Taylor, Sr., said they will always remember the well-known local attorney and former circuit judge for being a professional in every sense of the word.
Taylor, who passed away Wednesday at the age of 90, practiced law in Russellville for more than 50 years.
Sen. Roger Bedford said he learned many things in his early years of practicing law from the way Taylor conducted himself and treated his clients.
“I can remember as a young lawyer, whenever he would see me making a mistake he would offer me kind words of advice, not criticisms,” Bedford said.
“He was always an advocate for those he represented and that taught me a lot about how I should treat my clients.
“I learned many things just from watching him over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time.”
Local attorney Danny McDowell agreed that Taylor was someone he took his cues from as well.
“He was always a gentleman and a very good man,” McDowell said. “He sent me several cases when I first started practicing and that was a great compliment coming from him.”
Outside the practice of law, McDowell said Taylor was known for his love of the Franklin County community and the people who lived in the area.
“He was a historian and knew so much about Franklin County and the families here,” McDowell said. “He seemed to really love people.
“I also taught Sunday School for 20 years at First Baptist Church and Neil was in my class. I don’t think he ever missed a Sunday.”
Taylor also was instrumental in helping Franklin County become the home of the state’s first junior college.
Something that Taylor was also known for was his signature black hat and dapper style.
“I don’t think I ever saw him where he wasn’t dressed to the nines,” McDowell said. “Even working in his yard, his coveralls were spotless and creased.
“He was a unique individual and he will be greatly missed.”