Midlands leaders pay tribute to business visionary Joe Taylor Jr.

Business and community leaders in South Carolina are mourning the recent loss of Columbia City Councilman and former state Secretary of Commerce Joe E. Taylor Jr. , considered a leader and visionary for his work both in the Columbia area and statewide.

Taylor, 64, died unexpectedly on Dec. 29. His funeral service was held Thursday, Jan. 5, at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Columbia. So large was his impact statewide that flags at the S.C. State House flew at half-staff in Taylor's honor on Thursday at the request of Gov. Henry McMaster.

A native of Columbia, Taylor has received accolades for his role in the state's economic growth. During his tenure as commerce secretary under Gov. Mark Sanford, he was credited with leading the team that spearheaded efforts to attract Boeing to North Charleston in 2009.

Taylor was elected to represent District 4 on the council in 2021 to take over a seat formerly occupied by Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. In his role as councilman, Taylor quickly became known as a fierce advocate for businesses and city residents, working both to make it easier for businesses to flourish and to reduce crime and other problems. He was chairman of the economic and community development committee and also served on the public safety and administrative policy committees.

In a statement, Rickenmann mourned the loss of the man he called a friend as well as a colleague.

"Columbia has lost one of her biggest advocates, one of my best friends," Rickenmann said. "Joe was a giant in our community. I can think of no person who cared more about Columbia, the Midlands or South Carolina than Joe. He led with his heart and passion to help others."

Taylor's fellow council members also released a statement addressing his impact on the business community.

"During his tenure on council, Councilman Taylor was an advocate for business development, particularly as it related to small business owners, and a champion of commerce," the statement said. "He truly believed in the greatness of our city, and he was focused on making Columbia better for all citizens."

Carl Blackstone, president and CEO of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, said Taylor cared deeply about improving life in general in the city he called home.

"His impact will be felt in Columbia for decades to come," Blackstone said in a statement.

A keen instinct for business came early for Taylor. While still a student at...