Tommy Taylor, Jr.
Tommy Dewayne “Freight Train” Taylor, Jr., 53, formerly of Chattanooga, died on Sunday, February 21, 2016 in LaFayette, Georgia.
He was born Nov. 23, 1962, in Chattanooga, to Nora Lee Crutcher and Tommy Taylor, Sr. Tommy was the older of two children. He graduated in 1981 from City High School as a proud Dynamo. He excelled in academics as well as sports. Tommy was nationally recruited as one of the country’s top football talents. He chose to attend UCLA where he quickly became team captain in 1985, and the Bruins won the Rose Bowl along with the National title. After graduating near the top of his class from UCLA, he was drafted to the NFL. Tommy’s passion was consulting Americans in the field of justice. He concentrated on assisting individuals with their legal issues, especially those who could not afford to battle with the legal system.
Tommy was preceded in death by his mother, Nora Lee Rice Crutcher; father, Tommy Taylor, Sr.; aunts, Ella Mae Foust and Mary L. Usher.
Tommy had been a resident of Atlanta for several years.
He will be missed by his brother, Micheal (Sherry) Crutcher; uncles, Robert (Catrina) Rice, Thomas (La Rita) Rice, and Leroy Taylor; aunts, Lillie Mae Turman and Josie Taylor; 1st cousin, Frank Usher; and a host of family and friends.
He will lie in state on Saturday, Feb. 27, after 1 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be on Sunday, Feb. 28, at 1 p.m. in the chapel. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery.