Jerry was born in Cabarrus County. He was the son of Samuel Taylor and Grace Webster Taylor. He was an active member of Shadybrook Baptist Church. He was retired from Duke Energy in Charlotte, NC.
Jerry served as an Officer with the US Army in Vietnam as well as a tour of duty in Germany. He joined the North Carolina National Guard in 1971. He served in numerous Officer assignments including Commander, 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery, assuming Command in 1988. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal. Jerry retired from the military in 1992 with the rank of Colonel.
The "Little Man"
What is left? The memories of course !!! When I play golf I will look around, ready to laugh at the Little Man with the so unusual stance and I will suddenly realize he is not there---------only a fond memory which will bring a smile. When I ask what he shot on the difficult hole, he will try to recall each shot, never coming up with the same score. He was never a cheat---just never seemed to be good at addition.
Coming to the golf course he always was dressed with the Polo attire from head to toe to include the socks and even the underwear. One of the Guys even made the comment if Cadillac made a Polo car he would have one. His response--------I thought that was what I had! We were always late for our tee time. It would take him 10 minutes to ramble through the trunk of the car, taking off his Birkenstock sandals and putting on his golf shoes. Everything he had in the trunk of his car was carefully stored in Army type bags or ammo boxes (to include his many pistols). It was a hoot to listen to him unzipping and zipping each and every bag looking for the golf balls, a raincoat or the extra long golf tees ( why did one of the shortest men on the course need the extra long tees)?
He always had an answer to any fact or questions. I am not sure I ever won a single argument in all our many years together. It did not matter, the fun was the bickering back and forth, all in a good natured manner.
There were two special trips Frances and I took with the Taylors-----------a cruise to Bermuda and a trip to Williamsburg. The trip to Williamsburg was a trip to be remembered. If you ever have the opportunity be sure to ask Cookie about that trip!!!! You will roll in the floor. Make her tell the truth when telling this story.
The golf games, the trips, the trip to Sturgis, SD with the Harleys will always be trips to remember. All these life experiences made memories. Memories are what live on after a dear friend is lost. Memories cannot be taken away. They are yours to keep forever. Make certain that in life ALL memories are good memories.
I will miss my dear friend but I have something no one can take away from me. Years and years of reminders of the good times.
LTC (retired) Robert A. Collins "Bob"
Colonel Jerry S. Taylor. Memorial Day 2010..
Jerry was my RedLeg Brother, My Friend and My Fellow Artillery Officer. I am so proud that the Military was able to give him the Honors he had so rightfully earned. He was a Vietnam veteran and served in US units in Germany. The respect that his fellow artillerymen had for him was shown by his being the 2nd Officer(according to the 113th FA Reg history) to receive the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. He was also the first Lieutenant Colonel to receive the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara. In my opinion he was the finest Commander of the 1st Battalion 113 Field Artillery prior to 9-11. It is important to note that he received the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam.
I had the highest respect for Jerry as a Army Artillery Officer but he meant more than that to me. We spent many day/nights/weeks together with our friends and families. During our next outing we will hear some Old Tales from our times together told one more time. Some of my families memories include taking our families to Land of Oz, going to Helen, Ga and not finding it like we remembered our times in Germany but the beer and music was still good.
I regret that I did not talk or see Jerry as much as I should in recent times. Jerry was a true friend and when you do not see that person frequently, when you do it is like you saw that friend the day before. I am proud to say I have a group of RedLegs who are my true brothers and friends.
Jerry and Cookie shared one of our finest Military Experiences. We went to Portugal to see our fellow Brigade Commander(BG Da Rosa). We are in fact a guest of the Portugal Army Chief of Staff(Gen Tome Pinto). It was VIP treatment from the point they came and took us off the plane to meeting with the US Ambassador. We shared many more military and personal times too frequent to list here. I have a rough wood flag above my fire place in BR that Jerry gave me in this place of honor to remember.
Jerry was a true friend. One of our friends CW4 Charlie Goodman was in distress in SC. Jerry said to me if we want to see Charlie we need to go now. We did go and I did not see Charlie again until I went to Arlington to say FareWell.
Jerry will be truly missed by the 113th Field Artillery Regiment community.
Farewell and Carry On!
Rock
Roscoe Lindsay Jr. BG(r)
Honorary 113th Regimental Commander.
1 June, 2010
To All,
The news about Jerry Taylor's passing was certainly a shock to us all. No matter how old or how sick we each may become, we never think it is our time to pass over the divide between mortal life and everlasting spiritual happiness. I can certainly attest to that fact.
Many of you knew Jerry longer that I. Harold, Earl, Rock, Bob and Bobby knew "The Little Man" almost from the beginning of his Guard career. Others such as me, Chuck, Bud, Joel, Terrell and Bernie knew "The Little Man" for a shorter period of time. Needless to say we all counted him as a "Friend".
Harold served as CSM when Jerry was the Battalion Motor Officer, the HHB Commander, the first O-4 Brigade Fire Support Officer, Battalion S-3, Battalion XO not once but twice and finally as the Battalion Commander. In spite of all those important positions that "The Little Man" held Harold remembers Jerry best as his friend. That speaks volumes for both Harold and Jerry.
Jerry was always looking out for Earl and Rock. Whether it was in the Guard mode or in civilian life the intent was always the same keep a friend safe from a tribulation which could be lying unknown to the innocent victim. From my point of view and I expect from Earl and Rock's perspective Jerry did a great job.
Jerry and Bobby shared a unique view of the military coming and goings. When I first knew the two of them in the Guard Jerry was the more senior in rank. Jerry's first heart attack turned the seniority around. Bobby ended up commanding first with Jerry serving his second tour as the Battalion XO. The two individuals handled the situation marvelously. That told me what two first class individuals Jerry and Bobby really were.
Then we come to Jerry, "The Little Man", and Bob, "The Big Boy". What a pair they were. I can never forget Jerry's fortieth birthday party at Bob's new house just outside of Matthews in Union County. Sandra and I were in awe. Jerry was roasted and unlike most times never got a word in edgewise. In hindsight Jerry and Bob made a perfect pair of soldiers as well as friends.
I have always believed that Chuck was the perfect foil for Jerry. There was no way that Jerry could ever get the best of Chuck. One day Chuck showed up at one of our infamous golf matches. Chuck did not actually play but rode around in a golf cart the entire eighteen holes with Jerry. Jerry and I were not very good golfers but Chuck made him a terrible golfer. By the second nine Jerry was not even giving Bob, who was a pretty good golfer in his own right, a hard time.
Bud, Joel, Terrell and Bernie all respected Jerry a great deal. There was not a thing he would not do for any of the four of you. I can say you were fortunate to know Jerry and call him a friend.
That leaves me, "The Mad Dog", to comment on Jerry my friend. The first thing I will say is that he like me served a tour in the Republic of South Vietnam. Secondly I remember Jerry's Cadillac's and the stuff he kept in the trunk. Jerry would not go anywhere without his Cadillac. Jerry cared genuinely about Cookie and his daughters. I always admired the way he took care of his Mother and Father. Jerry was that unique individual who could be a friend to everyone.
As he told me at the Prayer Breakfast early in May he only remembered the good times in the Guard. God bless Jerry and each of you.
As ever,
Wayne
My best Jerry Taylor memory. Jerry was the new 1st/113th Battalion Commander . It was a Ft. Bragg weekend, live fire shoot on a cold, early Saturday morning and raining like crap at Pioneer Airfield. For some reason, I can't remember why other than "we always did it that way", we pulled the canvas off our quarter tons and wore camouflage paint. The staff is standing in the rain with no cover waiting on Jerry to arrive. Jerry pulls up in the Blue Cadillac and looks in disbelief at a bunch of grown men in cammo paint standing in a downpour. He asks why, we have no answer. Jerry says "men, we don't need to train to be miserable and if the enemy can see a M109, he can probably see you". We didn't pull the canvas off or wear cammo paint anymore after that. Jerry Taylor cared about soldiers.
Terrell
I have known Jerry Taylor since he was motor officer for the 1/113 FA. There was no task that he couldn't solve. The first as motor officer occurred at Ft Stewart during AT(?) when "A" Btry (I think) got lost and found the entire battery mired up and couldn't move. Jerry had the M88 on solid ground with the cable extended to max length and attached to another length of cable making a 90 degree turn around a large pine tree then hooked to the closest M-109. One by one he saw the entire battery extracted from the mire. Needless to say it was a long drawn out process but the battery was back in action in a few hours. Jerry never left the site until the last vehicle was recovered and back in action.
I was his spotter for a polo huddie that was too expensive for jerry to buy (about $300). I saw it on sale at Belk at SP Mall and gave Jerry a call. In about thirty minutes he called and wanted me to meet him for lunch. Guess what? He was wearing the huddie and had paid less than $50. Jerry liked a bargain.
I was his CSM and was honored to work for him. Jerry was a friend and a boss. I will miss him and his E-mails.
Hooah!! Harold
Jerry served as an Officer with the US Army in Vietnam as well as a tour of duty in Germany. He joined the North Carolina National Guard in 1971. He served in numerous Officer assignments including Commander, 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery, assuming Command in 1988. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal. Jerry retired from the military in 1992 with the rank of Colonel.
The "Little Man"
What is left? The memories of course !!! When I play golf I will look around, ready to laugh at the Little Man with the so unusual stance and I will suddenly realize he is not there---------only a fond memory which will bring a smile. When I ask what he shot on the difficult hole, he will try to recall each shot, never coming up with the same score. He was never a cheat---just never seemed to be good at addition.
Coming to the golf course he always was dressed with the Polo attire from head to toe to include the socks and even the underwear. One of the Guys even made the comment if Cadillac made a Polo car he would have one. His response--------I thought that was what I had! We were always late for our tee time. It would take him 10 minutes to ramble through the trunk of the car, taking off his Birkenstock sandals and putting on his golf shoes. Everything he had in the trunk of his car was carefully stored in Army type bags or ammo boxes (to include his many pistols). It was a hoot to listen to him unzipping and zipping each and every bag looking for the golf balls, a raincoat or the extra long golf tees ( why did one of the shortest men on the course need the extra long tees)?
He always had an answer to any fact or questions. I am not sure I ever won a single argument in all our many years together. It did not matter, the fun was the bickering back and forth, all in a good natured manner.
There were two special trips Frances and I took with the Taylors-----------a cruise to Bermuda and a trip to Williamsburg. The trip to Williamsburg was a trip to be remembered. If you ever have the opportunity be sure to ask Cookie about that trip!!!! You will roll in the floor. Make her tell the truth when telling this story.
The golf games, the trips, the trip to Sturgis, SD with the Harleys will always be trips to remember. All these life experiences made memories. Memories are what live on after a dear friend is lost. Memories cannot be taken away. They are yours to keep forever. Make certain that in life ALL memories are good memories.
I will miss my dear friend but I have something no one can take away from me. Years and years of reminders of the good times.
LTC (retired) Robert A. Collins "Bob"
Colonel Jerry S. Taylor. Memorial Day 2010..
Jerry was my RedLeg Brother, My Friend and My Fellow Artillery Officer. I am so proud that the Military was able to give him the Honors he had so rightfully earned. He was a Vietnam veteran and served in US units in Germany. The respect that his fellow artillerymen had for him was shown by his being the 2nd Officer(according to the 113th FA Reg history) to receive the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. He was also the first Lieutenant Colonel to receive the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara. In my opinion he was the finest Commander of the 1st Battalion 113 Field Artillery prior to 9-11. It is important to note that he received the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam.
I had the highest respect for Jerry as a Army Artillery Officer but he meant more than that to me. We spent many day/nights/weeks together with our friends and families. During our next outing we will hear some Old Tales from our times together told one more time. Some of my families memories include taking our families to Land of Oz, going to Helen, Ga and not finding it like we remembered our times in Germany but the beer and music was still good.
I regret that I did not talk or see Jerry as much as I should in recent times. Jerry was a true friend and when you do not see that person frequently, when you do it is like you saw that friend the day before. I am proud to say I have a group of RedLegs who are my true brothers and friends.
Jerry and Cookie shared one of our finest Military Experiences. We went to Portugal to see our fellow Brigade Commander(BG Da Rosa). We are in fact a guest of the Portugal Army Chief of Staff(Gen Tome Pinto). It was VIP treatment from the point they came and took us off the plane to meeting with the US Ambassador. We shared many more military and personal times too frequent to list here. I have a rough wood flag above my fire place in BR that Jerry gave me in this place of honor to remember.
Jerry was a true friend. One of our friends CW4 Charlie Goodman was in distress in SC. Jerry said to me if we want to see Charlie we need to go now. We did go and I did not see Charlie again until I went to Arlington to say FareWell.
Jerry will be truly missed by the 113th Field Artillery Regiment community.
Farewell and Carry On!
Rock
Roscoe Lindsay Jr. BG(r)
Honorary 113th Regimental Commander.
1 June, 2010
To All,
The news about Jerry Taylor's passing was certainly a shock to us all. No matter how old or how sick we each may become, we never think it is our time to pass over the divide between mortal life and everlasting spiritual happiness. I can certainly attest to that fact.
Many of you knew Jerry longer that I. Harold, Earl, Rock, Bob and Bobby knew "The Little Man" almost from the beginning of his Guard career. Others such as me, Chuck, Bud, Joel, Terrell and Bernie knew "The Little Man" for a shorter period of time. Needless to say we all counted him as a "Friend".
Harold served as CSM when Jerry was the Battalion Motor Officer, the HHB Commander, the first O-4 Brigade Fire Support Officer, Battalion S-3, Battalion XO not once but twice and finally as the Battalion Commander. In spite of all those important positions that "The Little Man" held Harold remembers Jerry best as his friend. That speaks volumes for both Harold and Jerry.
Jerry was always looking out for Earl and Rock. Whether it was in the Guard mode or in civilian life the intent was always the same keep a friend safe from a tribulation which could be lying unknown to the innocent victim. From my point of view and I expect from Earl and Rock's perspective Jerry did a great job.
Jerry and Bobby shared a unique view of the military coming and goings. When I first knew the two of them in the Guard Jerry was the more senior in rank. Jerry's first heart attack turned the seniority around. Bobby ended up commanding first with Jerry serving his second tour as the Battalion XO. The two individuals handled the situation marvelously. That told me what two first class individuals Jerry and Bobby really were.
Then we come to Jerry, "The Little Man", and Bob, "The Big Boy". What a pair they were. I can never forget Jerry's fortieth birthday party at Bob's new house just outside of Matthews in Union County. Sandra and I were in awe. Jerry was roasted and unlike most times never got a word in edgewise. In hindsight Jerry and Bob made a perfect pair of soldiers as well as friends.
I have always believed that Chuck was the perfect foil for Jerry. There was no way that Jerry could ever get the best of Chuck. One day Chuck showed up at one of our infamous golf matches. Chuck did not actually play but rode around in a golf cart the entire eighteen holes with Jerry. Jerry and I were not very good golfers but Chuck made him a terrible golfer. By the second nine Jerry was not even giving Bob, who was a pretty good golfer in his own right, a hard time.
Bud, Joel, Terrell and Bernie all respected Jerry a great deal. There was not a thing he would not do for any of the four of you. I can say you were fortunate to know Jerry and call him a friend.
That leaves me, "The Mad Dog", to comment on Jerry my friend. The first thing I will say is that he like me served a tour in the Republic of South Vietnam. Secondly I remember Jerry's Cadillac's and the stuff he kept in the trunk. Jerry would not go anywhere without his Cadillac. Jerry cared genuinely about Cookie and his daughters. I always admired the way he took care of his Mother and Father. Jerry was that unique individual who could be a friend to everyone.
As he told me at the Prayer Breakfast early in May he only remembered the good times in the Guard. God bless Jerry and each of you.
As ever,
Wayne
My best Jerry Taylor memory. Jerry was the new 1st/113th Battalion Commander . It was a Ft. Bragg weekend, live fire shoot on a cold, early Saturday morning and raining like crap at Pioneer Airfield. For some reason, I can't remember why other than "we always did it that way", we pulled the canvas off our quarter tons and wore camouflage paint. The staff is standing in the rain with no cover waiting on Jerry to arrive. Jerry pulls up in the Blue Cadillac and looks in disbelief at a bunch of grown men in cammo paint standing in a downpour. He asks why, we have no answer. Jerry says "men, we don't need to train to be miserable and if the enemy can see a M109, he can probably see you". We didn't pull the canvas off or wear cammo paint anymore after that. Jerry Taylor cared about soldiers.
Terrell
I have known Jerry Taylor since he was motor officer for the 1/113 FA. There was no task that he couldn't solve. The first as motor officer occurred at Ft Stewart during AT(?) when "A" Btry (I think) got lost and found the entire battery mired up and couldn't move. Jerry had the M88 on solid ground with the cable extended to max length and attached to another length of cable making a 90 degree turn around a large pine tree then hooked to the closest M-109. One by one he saw the entire battery extracted from the mire. Needless to say it was a long drawn out process but the battery was back in action in a few hours. Jerry never left the site until the last vehicle was recovered and back in action.
I was his spotter for a polo huddie that was too expensive for jerry to buy (about $300). I saw it on sale at Belk at SP Mall and gave Jerry a call. In about thirty minutes he called and wanted me to meet him for lunch. Guess what? He was wearing the huddie and had paid less than $50. Jerry liked a bargain.
I was his CSM and was honored to work for him. Jerry was a friend and a boss. I will miss him and his E-mails.
Hooah!! Harold
Jerry was born in Cabarrus County. He was the son of Samuel Taylor and Grace Webster Taylor. He was an active member of Shadybrook Baptist Church. He was retired from Duke Energy in Charlotte, NC.
Jerry served as an Officer with the US Army in Vietnam as well as a tour of duty in Germany. He joined the North Carolina National Guard in 1971. He served in numerous Officer assignments including Commander, 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery, assuming Command in 1988. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal. Jerry retired from the military in 1992 with the rank of Colonel.
The "Little Man"
What is left? The memories of course !!! When I play golf I will look around, ready to laugh at the Little Man with the so unusual stance and I will suddenly realize he is not there---------only a fond memory which will bring a smile. When I ask what he shot on the difficult hole, he will try to recall each shot, never coming up with the same score. He was never a cheat---just never seemed to be good at addition.
Coming to the golf course he always was dressed with the Polo attire from head to toe to include the socks and even the underwear. One of the Guys even made the comment if Cadillac made a Polo car he would have one. His response--------I thought that was what I had! We were always late for our tee time. It would take him 10 minutes to ramble through the trunk of the car, taking off his Birkenstock sandals and putting on his golf shoes. Everything he had in the trunk of his car was carefully stored in Army type bags or ammo boxes (to include his many pistols). It was a hoot to listen to him unzipping and zipping each and every bag looking for the golf balls, a raincoat or the extra long golf tees ( why did one of the shortest men on the course need the extra long tees)?
He always had an answer to any fact or questions. I am not sure I ever won a single argument in all our many years together. It did not matter, the fun was the bickering back and forth, all in a good natured manner.
There were two special trips Frances and I took with the Taylors-----------a cruise to Bermuda and a trip to Williamsburg. The trip to Williamsburg was a trip to be remembered. If you ever have the opportunity be sure to ask Cookie about that trip!!!! You will roll in the floor. Make her tell the truth when telling this story.
The golf games, the trips, the trip to Sturgis, SD with the Harleys will always be trips to remember. All these life experiences made memories. Memories are what live on after a dear friend is lost. Memories cannot be taken away. They are yours to keep forever. Make certain that in life ALL memories are good memories.
I will miss my dear friend but I have something no one can take away from me. Years and years of reminders of the good times.
LTC (retired) Robert A. Collins "Bob"
Colonel Jerry S. Taylor. Memorial Day 2010..
Jerry was my RedLeg Brother, My Friend and My Fellow Artillery Officer. I am so proud that the Military was able to give him the Honors he had so rightfully earned. He was a Vietnam veteran and served in US units in Germany. The respect that his fellow artillerymen had for him was shown by his being the 2nd Officer(according to the 113th FA Reg history) to receive the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. He was also the first Lieutenant Colonel to receive the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara. In my opinion he was the finest Commander of the 1st Battalion 113 Field Artillery prior to 9-11. It is important to note that he received the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam.
I had the highest respect for Jerry as a Army Artillery Officer but he meant more than that to me. We spent many day/nights/weeks together with our friends and families. During our next outing we will hear some Old Tales from our times together told one more time. Some of my families memories include taking our families to Land of Oz, going to Helen, Ga and not finding it like we remembered our times in Germany but the beer and music was still good.
I regret that I did not talk or see Jerry as much as I should in recent times. Jerry was a true friend and when you do not see that person frequently, when you do it is like you saw that friend the day before. I am proud to say I have a group of RedLegs who are my true brothers and friends.
Jerry and Cookie shared one of our finest Military Experiences. We went to Portugal to see our fellow Brigade Commander(BG Da Rosa). We are in fact a guest of the Portugal Army Chief of Staff(Gen Tome Pinto). It was VIP treatment from the point they came and took us off the plane to meeting with the US Ambassador. We shared many more military and personal times too frequent to list here. I have a rough wood flag above my fire place in BR that Jerry gave me in this place of honor to remember.
Jerry was a true friend. One of our friends CW4 Charlie Goodman was in distress in SC. Jerry said to me if we want to see Charlie we need to go now. We did go and I did not see Charlie again until I went to Arlington to say FareWell.
Jerry will be truly missed by the 113th Field Artillery Regiment community.
Farewell and Carry On!
Rock
Roscoe Lindsay Jr. BG(r)
Honorary 113th Regimental Commander.
1 June, 2010
To All,
The news about Jerry Taylor's passing was certainly a shock to us all. No matter how old or how sick we each may become, we never think it is our time to pass over the divide between mortal life and everlasting spiritual happiness. I can certainly attest to that fact.
Many of you knew Jerry longer that I. Harold, Earl, Rock, Bob and Bobby knew "The Little Man" almost from the beginning of his Guard career. Others such as me, Chuck, Bud, Joel, Terrell and Bernie knew "The Little Man" for a shorter period of time. Needless to say we all counted him as a "Friend".
Harold served as CSM when Jerry was the Battalion Motor Officer, the HHB Commander, the first O-4 Brigade Fire Support Officer, Battalion S-3, Battalion XO not once but twice and finally as the Battalion Commander. In spite of all those important positions that "The Little Man" held Harold remembers Jerry best as his friend. That speaks volumes for both Harold and Jerry.
Jerry was always looking out for Earl and Rock. Whether it was in the Guard mode or in civilian life the intent was always the same keep a friend safe from a tribulation which could be lying unknown to the innocent victim. From my point of view and I expect from Earl and Rock's perspective Jerry did a great job.
Jerry and Bobby shared a unique view of the military coming and goings. When I first knew the two of them in the Guard Jerry was the more senior in rank. Jerry's first heart attack turned the seniority around. Bobby ended up commanding first with Jerry serving his second tour as the Battalion XO. The two individuals handled the situation marvelously. That told me what two first class individuals Jerry and Bobby really were.
Then we come to Jerry, "The Little Man", and Bob, "The Big Boy". What a pair they were. I can never forget Jerry's fortieth birthday party at Bob's new house just outside of Matthews in Union County. Sandra and I were in awe. Jerry was roasted and unlike most times never got a word in edgewise. In hindsight Jerry and Bob made a perfect pair of soldiers as well as friends.
I have always believed that Chuck was the perfect foil for Jerry. There was no way that Jerry could ever get the best of Chuck. One day Chuck showed up at one of our infamous golf matches. Chuck did not actually play but rode around in a golf cart the entire eighteen holes with Jerry. Jerry and I were not very good golfers but Chuck made him a terrible golfer. By the second nine Jerry was not even giving Bob, who was a pretty good golfer in his own right, a hard time.
Bud, Joel, Terrell and Bernie all respected Jerry a great deal. There was not a thing he would not do for any of the four of you. I can say you were fortunate to know Jerry and call him a friend.
That leaves me, "The Mad Dog", to comment on Jerry my friend. The first thing I will say is that he like me served a tour in the Republic of South Vietnam. Secondly I remember Jerry's Cadillac's and the stuff he kept in the trunk. Jerry would not go anywhere without his Cadillac. Jerry cared genuinely about Cookie and his daughters. I always admired the way he took care of his Mother and Father. Jerry was that unique individual who could be a friend to everyone.
As he told me at the Prayer Breakfast early in May he only remembered the good times in the Guard. God bless Jerry and each of you.
As ever,
Wayne
My best Jerry Taylor memory. Jerry was the new 1st/113th Battalion Commander . It was a Ft. Bragg weekend, live fire shoot on a cold, early Saturday morning and raining like crap at Pioneer Airfield. For some reason, I can't remember why other than "we always did it that way", we pulled the canvas off our quarter tons and wore camouflage paint. The staff is standing in the rain with no cover waiting on Jerry to arrive. Jerry pulls up in the Blue Cadillac and looks in disbelief at a bunch of grown men in cammo paint standing in a downpour. He asks why, we have no answer. Jerry says "men, we don't need to train to be miserable and if the enemy can see a M109, he can probably see you". We didn't pull the canvas off or wear cammo paint anymore after that. Jerry Taylor cared about soldiers.
Terrell
I have known Jerry Taylor since he was motor officer for the 1/113 FA. There was no task that he couldn't solve. The first as motor officer occurred at Ft Stewart during AT(?) when "A" Btry (I think) got lost and found the entire battery mired up and couldn't move. Jerry had the M88 on solid ground with the cable extended to max length and attached to another length of cable making a 90 degree turn around a large pine tree then hooked to the closest M-109. One by one he saw the entire battery extracted from the mire. Needless to say it was a long drawn out process but the battery was back in action in a few hours. Jerry never left the site until the last vehicle was recovered and back in action.
I was his spotter for a polo huddie that was too expensive for jerry to buy (about $300). I saw it on sale at Belk at SP Mall and gave Jerry a call. In about thirty minutes he called and wanted me to meet him for lunch. Guess what? He was wearing the huddie and had paid less than $50. Jerry liked a bargain.
I was his CSM and was honored to work for him. Jerry was a friend and a boss. I will miss him and his E-mails.
Hooah!! Harold
Jerry served as an Officer with the US Army in Vietnam as well as a tour of duty in Germany. He joined the North Carolina National Guard in 1971. He served in numerous Officer assignments including Commander, 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery, assuming Command in 1988. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal. Jerry retired from the military in 1992 with the rank of Colonel.
The "Little Man"
What is left? The memories of course !!! When I play golf I will look around, ready to laugh at the Little Man with the so unusual stance and I will suddenly realize he is not there---------only a fond memory which will bring a smile. When I ask what he shot on the difficult hole, he will try to recall each shot, never coming up with the same score. He was never a cheat---just never seemed to be good at addition.
Coming to the golf course he always was dressed with the Polo attire from head to toe to include the socks and even the underwear. One of the Guys even made the comment if Cadillac made a Polo car he would have one. His response--------I thought that was what I had! We were always late for our tee time. It would take him 10 minutes to ramble through the trunk of the car, taking off his Birkenstock sandals and putting on his golf shoes. Everything he had in the trunk of his car was carefully stored in Army type bags or ammo boxes (to include his many pistols). It was a hoot to listen to him unzipping and zipping each and every bag looking for the golf balls, a raincoat or the extra long golf tees ( why did one of the shortest men on the course need the extra long tees)?
He always had an answer to any fact or questions. I am not sure I ever won a single argument in all our many years together. It did not matter, the fun was the bickering back and forth, all in a good natured manner.
There were two special trips Frances and I took with the Taylors-----------a cruise to Bermuda and a trip to Williamsburg. The trip to Williamsburg was a trip to be remembered. If you ever have the opportunity be sure to ask Cookie about that trip!!!! You will roll in the floor. Make her tell the truth when telling this story.
The golf games, the trips, the trip to Sturgis, SD with the Harleys will always be trips to remember. All these life experiences made memories. Memories are what live on after a dear friend is lost. Memories cannot be taken away. They are yours to keep forever. Make certain that in life ALL memories are good memories.
I will miss my dear friend but I have something no one can take away from me. Years and years of reminders of the good times.
LTC (retired) Robert A. Collins "Bob"
Colonel Jerry S. Taylor. Memorial Day 2010..
Jerry was my RedLeg Brother, My Friend and My Fellow Artillery Officer. I am so proud that the Military was able to give him the Honors he had so rightfully earned. He was a Vietnam veteran and served in US units in Germany. The respect that his fellow artillerymen had for him was shown by his being the 2nd Officer(according to the 113th FA Reg history) to receive the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. He was also the first Lieutenant Colonel to receive the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara. In my opinion he was the finest Commander of the 1st Battalion 113 Field Artillery prior to 9-11. It is important to note that he received the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam.
I had the highest respect for Jerry as a Army Artillery Officer but he meant more than that to me. We spent many day/nights/weeks together with our friends and families. During our next outing we will hear some Old Tales from our times together told one more time. Some of my families memories include taking our families to Land of Oz, going to Helen, Ga and not finding it like we remembered our times in Germany but the beer and music was still good.
I regret that I did not talk or see Jerry as much as I should in recent times. Jerry was a true friend and when you do not see that person frequently, when you do it is like you saw that friend the day before. I am proud to say I have a group of RedLegs who are my true brothers and friends.
Jerry and Cookie shared one of our finest Military Experiences. We went to Portugal to see our fellow Brigade Commander(BG Da Rosa). We are in fact a guest of the Portugal Army Chief of Staff(Gen Tome Pinto). It was VIP treatment from the point they came and took us off the plane to meeting with the US Ambassador. We shared many more military and personal times too frequent to list here. I have a rough wood flag above my fire place in BR that Jerry gave me in this place of honor to remember.
Jerry was a true friend. One of our friends CW4 Charlie Goodman was in distress in SC. Jerry said to me if we want to see Charlie we need to go now. We did go and I did not see Charlie again until I went to Arlington to say FareWell.
Jerry will be truly missed by the 113th Field Artillery Regiment community.
Farewell and Carry On!
Rock
Roscoe Lindsay Jr. BG(r)
Honorary 113th Regimental Commander.
1 June, 2010
To All,
The news about Jerry Taylor's passing was certainly a shock to us all. No matter how old or how sick we each may become, we never think it is our time to pass over the divide between mortal life and everlasting spiritual happiness. I can certainly attest to that fact.
Many of you knew Jerry longer that I. Harold, Earl, Rock, Bob and Bobby knew "The Little Man" almost from the beginning of his Guard career. Others such as me, Chuck, Bud, Joel, Terrell and Bernie knew "The Little Man" for a shorter period of time. Needless to say we all counted him as a "Friend".
Harold served as CSM when Jerry was the Battalion Motor Officer, the HHB Commander, the first O-4 Brigade Fire Support Officer, Battalion S-3, Battalion XO not once but twice and finally as the Battalion Commander. In spite of all those important positions that "The Little Man" held Harold remembers Jerry best as his friend. That speaks volumes for both Harold and Jerry.
Jerry was always looking out for Earl and Rock. Whether it was in the Guard mode or in civilian life the intent was always the same keep a friend safe from a tribulation which could be lying unknown to the innocent victim. From my point of view and I expect from Earl and Rock's perspective Jerry did a great job.
Jerry and Bobby shared a unique view of the military coming and goings. When I first knew the two of them in the Guard Jerry was the more senior in rank. Jerry's first heart attack turned the seniority around. Bobby ended up commanding first with Jerry serving his second tour as the Battalion XO. The two individuals handled the situation marvelously. That told me what two first class individuals Jerry and Bobby really were.
Then we come to Jerry, "The Little Man", and Bob, "The Big Boy". What a pair they were. I can never forget Jerry's fortieth birthday party at Bob's new house just outside of Matthews in Union County. Sandra and I were in awe. Jerry was roasted and unlike most times never got a word in edgewise. In hindsight Jerry and Bob made a perfect pair of soldiers as well as friends.
I have always believed that Chuck was the perfect foil for Jerry. There was no way that Jerry could ever get the best of Chuck. One day Chuck showed up at one of our infamous golf matches. Chuck did not actually play but rode around in a golf cart the entire eighteen holes with Jerry. Jerry and I were not very good golfers but Chuck made him a terrible golfer. By the second nine Jerry was not even giving Bob, who was a pretty good golfer in his own right, a hard time.
Bud, Joel, Terrell and Bernie all respected Jerry a great deal. There was not a thing he would not do for any of the four of you. I can say you were fortunate to know Jerry and call him a friend.
That leaves me, "The Mad Dog", to comment on Jerry my friend. The first thing I will say is that he like me served a tour in the Republic of South Vietnam. Secondly I remember Jerry's Cadillac's and the stuff he kept in the trunk. Jerry would not go anywhere without his Cadillac. Jerry cared genuinely about Cookie and his daughters. I always admired the way he took care of his Mother and Father. Jerry was that unique individual who could be a friend to everyone.
As he told me at the Prayer Breakfast early in May he only remembered the good times in the Guard. God bless Jerry and each of you.
As ever,
Wayne
My best Jerry Taylor memory. Jerry was the new 1st/113th Battalion Commander . It was a Ft. Bragg weekend, live fire shoot on a cold, early Saturday morning and raining like crap at Pioneer Airfield. For some reason, I can't remember why other than "we always did it that way", we pulled the canvas off our quarter tons and wore camouflage paint. The staff is standing in the rain with no cover waiting on Jerry to arrive. Jerry pulls up in the Blue Cadillac and looks in disbelief at a bunch of grown men in cammo paint standing in a downpour. He asks why, we have no answer. Jerry says "men, we don't need to train to be miserable and if the enemy can see a M109, he can probably see you". We didn't pull the canvas off or wear cammo paint anymore after that. Jerry Taylor cared about soldiers.
Terrell
I have known Jerry Taylor since he was motor officer for the 1/113 FA. There was no task that he couldn't solve. The first as motor officer occurred at Ft Stewart during AT(?) when "A" Btry (I think) got lost and found the entire battery mired up and couldn't move. Jerry had the M88 on solid ground with the cable extended to max length and attached to another length of cable making a 90 degree turn around a large pine tree then hooked to the closest M-109. One by one he saw the entire battery extracted from the mire. Needless to say it was a long drawn out process but the battery was back in action in a few hours. Jerry never left the site until the last vehicle was recovered and back in action.
I was his spotter for a polo huddie that was too expensive for jerry to buy (about $300). I saw it on sale at Belk at SP Mall and gave Jerry a call. In about thirty minutes he called and wanted me to meet him for lunch. Guess what? He was wearing the huddie and had paid less than $50. Jerry liked a bargain.
I was his CSM and was honored to work for him. Jerry was a friend and a boss. I will miss him and his E-mails.
Hooah!! Harold
