A Celebration of Life, William James Taggart

@!ty @ad's @?ivotal @!nfluence
My dad's life was guided by the passion he had for guiding others and helping them succeed. To begin, I believe if he had not had the drive for going, and doing what he wanted, he would have only been a husk ofa man. The type ofdrive he had was evident to everyone he met and has ever worked with. Using his inspirational words and actions, he challenged myself and others to do what we thought we couldn't. The title of this may be my "dad's pivotal influence," but he was the influence. He didn't even have to say anything influential, his body language and actions were the things that inspired people the most. Despite all of my Dad's accomplishments he always stayed exceedingly humble. I remember times where I would have to find out the things he was accomplishing from everyone but him. William fames Taggart is a pure example of an exemplary man, and everyone who has ever known, talked, or even seen him will surely mourn the loss of
this beautiful gift oflife.
-Elizabeth Fortune Taggart

illiam "Bill" James Taggart was born on December 15,1961, at Grady Memorial Hospital. Bill grew up as the oldest of three children in the Adamsville community of Atlanta, Georgia. He was preceded in death by Felecia Taggart, sister; James Taggart, father; and Henry and Eliza Howard, grandparents.
Bill was the son of Marian Howard Taggart and James Taggart. Although Bill was raised in Adamsville, it was in his grandparents' home on the west side that he developed lifelong skills. His grandfather, Henry Howard, helped develop his analytical mind while teaching him complex math skills with everyday coins. A devoted sports fan, his grandmother, Eliza, helped Bill develop a passion for Atlanta teams as they watched and analyzed televised Braves games together. Bill's family life included a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. They spent every weekend together at parties, playing music, or just engaging in spirited conversation.
Bill was a product of the Atlanta Public School system and attended LP. Miles Elementary and Northside High School. An honor student, his leadership skills enabled him to excel in many areas, including ROTC, soccer, and track.
Bill entered Howard University wide-eyed and excited. His insightful mind and witty presence enabled him to immerse himself in a broad swath of the Howard community ranging from New York DJ crews to prestigious academic groups. Bill also arrived at Howard with a disciplined and competitive spirit that made it possible for him to excel in all that he attempted, including acceptance into the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity and Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. Eventually, he would pledge his beloved Kappa Alpha Psi (Xi Chapter) providing a venue for him to express his "Wild Bill" attributes along with his academic prowess. While at Howard, Bill developed a life-long collection of memories, achievements, and friends.
Bill was highly regarded and loved at Harvard Business School for his strategic leadership, business acumen, generous spirit, and kind heart Affectionately known as "Dolla Bill", he deejayed parties, played intramurals, and philosophized. He was a champion and confidant to many who found themselves in difficult situations.

When he entered Harvard Business School in Boston, disproportionate shares of African American and international students were receiving lower grades due to the Socratic Method of instruction. While Bill easily mastered this method, he was part of a team which initiated the analysis, which eventually led to the abolishment of the practice. Bill was always unafraid to speak truth to power. His legacy and footprint leave an enduring mark at Harvard Business School, creating a more embracing and equitable environment for all
When Bill completed his Harvard MBA, it was dear that management consulting was the perfect fit It requires a strategic mind, excellent communication skills, and the ability to align people who do not report to you around a common vision and purpose. Bill's grace and charm enabled him to have meaningful and authentic conversations with people. He listened, zeroed in on the problems and opportunities, and then used his natural passion and authenticity to bring people together around the solution. Those traits propelled him rapidly through IBM and Wachovia, and continued to serve him throughout his life.
While a student at Howard University in Washington D.C., Bill worked as an intern for President Ronald Reagan's administration. This positive experience led him to serve another sitting president His excitement over the election of President Barack Obama inspired him to return to civil service as the Chief Operating Officer of Federal Student Aid. Leveraging his business acumen, visionary leadership, and optimistic outlook, he led approximately 13,000 staff members and contractors in distributing $125 billion in aid to students attending college via a student loan portfolio of more than $1 trillion; saving taxpayers an estimated $68 billion through changes to the Direct Loan program.
Bill realized his dream of returning to his hometown of Atlanta when he became the CEO of Atlanta Life Financial Group. While in this role, he led the transformation of the llO-year-old firm creating financial stability and subsequent growth.
Bill held two positions at Morehouse College over the course of two years: the first Executive-In-Residence and Chief Operating Officer, and Interim President Bill loved Morehouse as both her adopted son and her fervent leader. In addition to extraordinary fiscal contributions, each day, Bill brought his genuine care for young people, his leadership and business skills, along with his passion and networking talents.

His candid, yet optimistic style was both refreshing and welcomed by the entire Morehouse community. Every person who experienced Bill knew that he had come to the right place at the right time, and he worked tirelessly to move Morehouse forward.
Bill was a tremendous asset to the Atlanta community and was an authentic servant-leader in every aspect of the word. He was known for his passion, commitment, and desire to make an impact on his beloved city. He was active in various business and civic organizations including: 100 Black Men of America and Rotary Club of Atlanta.
Bill also served on the board of the Atlanta Business League; The Carter Center; Carver Bank; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta; Emory Center for Excellence Advisory Board; Woodruff Arts Center; and Westside Future Fund. Bill was a life member of the National Black MBA Association and Kappa Alpha Psi Incorporated.
Bill 's personal life was rich with love, laughter, and life lessons generously shared among family and a host of friends. His life was enriched when he met and married Lydia Roston in 1998. Bill, Lydia, and Elizabeth, their daughter, led an extraordinary life. With love as the center of their lives, their home was a place of encouragement, support, and fun. In 2013, Lydia, his wife of IS years passed away.

Bill enjoyed every moment as a father to Elizabeth, with whom he always shared his zest for life: from daily conversations on the way to school, cheering at Braves, Hawks and Falcons games, exploring Paris, taking an early morning safari in South Africa to spending time with friends and family in Israel and Nantucket. Bill was blessed to find love again in his life with Wonya Lucas, a high school classmate. They shared many common bonds including their love for family, music, travel, Atlanta sports teams, and they worked together to create positive impact on their Atlanta community.

He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Fortune Taggart; his mother, Marian Taggart; his sister, Angela Taggart; his brothers, James Taggart and Nicholas Taggart; his aunts, Alice Denham, Annie Henderson, and Shirley Robinson (Leroy); his uncle, Odis Howard; his nieces, Ashlie Kelley, Christine Hardy, Zenethia Hardy, Asia Hardy, Farrah Hardy, Vera Zeigler and Alexis Roston; his nephews, Michael Kelley, D'Angelo Griffin, George and Kenneth Zeigler(Gabrielle), James Roston III, Joshua Roston, Drew Roston, and Malcolm Roston; his great nieces, Olivia-Rose Kelley, Kendall Zeigler and Aria Zeigler; his father-in-law, James Roston Sr. (Betty); his sister-in-law, Rachel Zeigler (George); and his partner, Wonya Lucas. Included in his loving family are a host of other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "The Bill Taggart Memorial Trust for the benefit of Elizabeth Taggart" at Green Square Capital, 6075 Poplar Avenue Suite 221, Memphis, TN 38ll9 or to Morehouse College
for the "William J. Taggart Scholarship Fund", 830
Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314.

.. .
JIMMY CARTER
June 13, 2017
To the Family of Bill Taggart Rosalynn and I were saddened to learn of Bill's pass-
ing. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time. We hope that your warm memories and the love and support of your family, friends, and the many people whose lives he has touched will be of comfort to you in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
The Family of William J. Taggart c/o Morehouse College 830 Westview Drive, SW Atlanta, Georgia 30314

Nathan Deal
GOVERNOR

STATE OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
ATLANTA 30334-0900
June 13, 2017

Dear Morehouse College Board of Trustees,
Sandra and I are saddened to hear of the recent, unexpected passing of Interim President Bill Taggart. Please know that we will be praying for Morehouse College, as well as Bill's family.
Bill's role in bringing together the members of the Morehouse community to cultivate scholarship, respect and achievement may have been cut short by his untimely passing, but I am confident that others will continue to build upon his vision and the foundation he has set. The work he has completed at Morehouse will be reflected in the accomplishments of this institution and its students.
While this is a difficult time, I encourage you to lean on your family, friends, faith and fellow members of the Morehouse community. God comforts all who grieve and offers us a peace that surpasses understanding. It is my hope that you will cling to this peace as you reflect on fond memories of Bill and recall the joy and inspiration that he has instilled in others throughout his life.
He was a businessman and scholar, a father and friend. Our thoughts and prayers remain
with all who knew him.

Sincerely,

ND:jt

Nathan Deal

KASIM REED
MAYOR

CITY OF ATLANTA
55 TRINITY AVENUE, S .W . ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303 - 0300
TEL 14041 330- 6100

June 12, 2017
Dear Taggart Family,
On behalf of the City of Atlanta, I offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to your family on the loss of your loved one, Interim President William Taggart.
Interim President Taggart was a beloved father, family member and a c1v1c leader dedicated to our city. Before joining the Morehouse family, he served as President and CEO of Atlanta Life Financial Group and former Chief Operating Officer for the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid, leading the department through the most significant period of growth in its history. During his time at Morehouse College, he was an outstanding leader and motivation to the students, faculty and staff. Taggart's dedication to providing steady leadership for one of the nation's best HBCUs and one of the most important educational institutions in the City of Atlanta, will forever be an inspiration to us all. He was always a man of character, vision and humility, which every great leader should possess and his efforts will never be forgotten.
While sometimes we cannot adequately find the words to express grief over the loss of a family member, I hope you can find peace in knowing that The Scriptures teach, in John 14:1-3: "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions ...I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself." I pray that you will fmd solace in knowing that Interim President Taggart is at peace.
We hope that time and memories will help lessen the burden of your sorrow, and that you may draw some measure of comfort knowing that our city shares in your loss.
Sincerely,
~ Kasim Reed

CEASAR C. MITCHELL
PRESIDENT

ATLANTA CITY COUNCIL
55 TRINITY AVENUE, S.W.
SECOND FLOOR EAST
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303 DIRECT (404) 330.6052 MAIN (404) 330.6030 FAX (404) 658-6562
E-MAIL CCMITCHELL@ATLANTAGA.GOV

June 16, 2017
The Family of William J. "Bill" Taggart C/0 Morehouse College 830 Westview Drive, SW Atlanta, Georgia 30314
Dear Family of William J. "Bill" Taggart,
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of your beloved family member, Mr. William J. "Bill" Taggart. While there is nothing that could have prepared you for this experience, I hope you may find solace in knowing that you do not mourn alone - the entire city of Atlanta mourns with you.
Sometimes life presents us with the opportunity to meet those rare individuals who are humble yet fierce in leadership, compassionate yet demanding of accountability, and all the while dedicated to their life's unique purposes. Bill was such an individual and he will be sorely missed by those of us who were honored to know him.
Through his example of leading a purpose-filled life, he has left a clear blueprint for those who remain to carry on his legacy. May his integrity and zeal for life be a source of encouragement for you during these challenging times. Most importantly - thank you for sharing such a magnificent individual with us.
Your family is in my prayers and please accept what little comfort these words may give you. If I may ever be of service to you, please know that I am but a phone call away.
Sincerely,

Ceasar C. Mitchell

@!fie re!!Jrder(fQfervice
The Reverend Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., Dean of the Chapel
Officiating
l&Jrgan @!telude
Dr. David Francis Oliver, College Organist
"How Great Thou Art" - Abin Wentworth "Fantasie in G Major, BWV 572" - johann Sebastian Bach "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" -Fred Bock

@!rocessional & reYall to reYelebration
The Reverend Dean Carter

reYongregational @!!Ymn
"Blessed Assurance"
Words: Fanny]. Crosby I Music: Phoebe P. Knapp

@!fie Scripture Readings

Psalm 23 (KJV)
Mrs. Candy Harper

I Corinthians 13 (KJV)
Mr. George Kenneth Zeigler

@!fie @?astoral @Frayer
The Reverend Dr. Raphael Gamaliel Warnock '91
Senior Pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church
@Jfusical (Qfelection
"Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel"
Arr. Carl Haywood
The Chorus

[(!!leflections from @!orehouse ~allege

Mr. Willie E. Woods '85
Chairman, Morehouse College Board ofTrustees

Dr. Robert C. Davidson Jr. '67 (Hon.'92)
Chairman Emeritus, Morehouse College Board ofTrustees

Mr. Kamren Jamar Rollins '18
861h President, Morehouse College Student Government Association

[Qltusical (Qfelection
''Ain't Got Time to Die"
Hall Johnson
The Chorus
Soloist: Mr. Timothy Miller '03

[(!!leflections from {{!!fiends and @family

Mr. Kevin Xavier Marshall
Childhood Friend

Mr. Michael Kelley
Nephew & Fraternity Brother

Mr. Stan Rosenzweig
Harvard University Classmate

Ms. Wonya Lucas
High School Classmate & Partner

Mr. Chris Lemmie
Fraternity Brother &Harvard University Classmate

~bituary
(Read Silently)

{{J!lcknowledgments
The Reverend Dean

[Qltusical ({)folo
"My Soul's Been Anchored"
Douglas Miller Soloist: Mr. Miller '03

~logy The Honorable Ambassador Andrew Jackson Young Jr. '75 (Han.)
Chairman, Andrew]. Young Foundation Member, Morehouse College Board o{Trustees Former United States Ambassador to the United Nations
Former Mayor, City ofAtlanta
~oral ~sponse
"Total Praise" Text & Tune: Richard Smallwood I Arr. Stephen Key

re?J1llege @!zYmns

"Howard University Alma Mater"
Lyrics: ].H. Brooks'16 I Music: F.D. Malone '16

"Dear Old Morehouse"
].O.B. Moseley

@!Jenediction
The Reverend Dr. Robert Michael Franklin Jr. '75
JQth President, Morehouse College

@?ostlude
"For AU the Saints"
Ralph Vaughan Williams

~cessional "Soon and Very Soon"
Andrae Crouch
The Chorus Mr. Harding Epps '73, Director
Members from: The Morehouse College Glee Club The Wendell P. Whalum Community Chorus The Uzee Brown Society of Choraliers

@!kJnorary @?allbearers

Leroy Bowden Darryl Combs Kenneth Demons Michael Gasque Maurice Gasque D'Angelo Griffin

Darryl Hall Gabreal Hall Eric Jackson Melvin Massey Anthony Russell Quentin Walker

100 Black Men of America Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Members of the Morehouse College Faculty, Staff and Alumni

@!rower @!Jearers
Christen Hardy Zenethia Hardy Farrah Hardy
Asia Hardy Ashlie Kelley Vera Zeigler Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

@!lcknowledgments
The family of William "Bill" James Taggart expresses sincere appreciation to the Morehouse College Board of Trustees; Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, President, Morehouse School of Medicine; staff volunteers from Clark Atlanta University; Vera Zeigler, Senior Graphic Designer, Verations and Perfect Image Printing; the Morehouse College family of faculty, staff, students and alumni; and, each of you! Your support, prayers, thoughtfulness, and expressions of kindness will always be remembered
-Thank You!
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: "The Bill Taggart Memorial Trust for the benefit of Elizabeth Taggart" at Green Square Capital, 6075 Poplar Avenue Suite 221, Memphis, TN 38ll9
or
Morehouse College for the "William J. Taggart Scholarship Fund"
830 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

MOREHOUSE
COLLEGE
June 16, 2017
Dear Family and Friends of William J. "Bill, Taggart: On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Morehouse College, I want to offer our sincerest
and heartfelt condolences to family and friends of William J. "Bill, Taggart. I had the pleasure of knowing Bill for many years before he arrived at Morehouse. We both attended Harvard Business School and we were fraternity brothers, so this has been especially difficult news for me and my family on a personal and professional level.
Over the last several months, Bill has worked tirelessly to move Morehouse forward. He and I have had numerous meetings to move things forward under his leadership. Bill and I spoke every 2-3 days, and it is incredible how much we all have accomplished in just a little over 60 days while he was Interim President at our beloved institution. While we all will miss Bill dearly, we will always cherish his accomplishments, and his time spent with us at Morehouse College for many years to come. He was my colleague, my friend, my brother, and I will miss him dearly.
I know that you join me in focusing our support toward Bill's legacy. Even as we move through this very difficult time, we celebrate his enduring impact upon each of us.
Sincerely,
Willie Woods Chairman of the Board
Board ofTrustees 470.6]9.0249 (p) 830 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30314

..
. (~i).
June 16, 2017
The Taggart Family Gloster Hall Morehouse College 830 Westview Drive Atlanta, GA 30314 To the Family of William Taggart: Not many years ago, the Morehouse College Community invested in a campaign that called attention to the qualities expected of a "Renaissance Man." They were, according to various texts, to be wellread, well-traveled, well-spoken, well-groomed and well-balanced. Few personify each of these attributes as did our friend and colleague William "Bill" Taggart. In fact, he easily exceeded these. His gifts were many and their power rested in his characteristic unselfishness in sharing them. History will reflect that Bill's days as interim president, 61 to be exact, were few. Yet the same record will illuminate the depth and breadth of his influence upon the Morehouse College Family, the Greater Atlanta community and the national community over decades. He approached his work with calm, a penchant for excellence, humility and an absence of bravado and a collaborative Socratic, problemsolving spirit. Bill understood that Atlanta's future depended upon the vitality and economic growth of its small business, arts, innovation and entrepreneurial sectors, and he embraced the mantle of leadership as chairman of the Atlanta Business League. He understood, too, that the future of the Atlanta University Center Consortium was inextricably linked to the future of the Westside community. We are fortunate that he played an active role in conversations about the future of the Westside with undaunted zeal. Morehouse College is one of the most important colleges in the country. Bill Taggart's leadership at the college, first as Chief Operating Officer and, most recently, as interim President, has had a lasting impact. We join the Morehouse community in grieving the loss of their leader. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. With sorrow,

Ronald A. Johnson, Ph.D. President Clark Atlanta University

Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D. President Spelman College


June 13, 2017
In Memory of Our Fellow Trustee, William J. Taggart:
Bill Taggart had a life-long relationship with the Woodruff Arts Center. I vividly recall our lunch conversation nearly five years ago in which he passionately spoke about the arts experiences he enjoyed as an Atlanta student, especially his visits to the Alliance Theatre, as well as to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the High Museum. He shared in his typically self-effacing way that while his personal artistic ability "was extremely limited," he well-understood the positive contribution the arts made to his life and wanted the same experience for Elizabeth and all families. We were honored to elect Bill as a Trustee of the Woodruff Arts Center in 2014, and recently re-elected him for a second term in May 2017.
Despite other significant demands on his time, he recently joined our Education Committee so he could more directly advocate for the value of arts education and was deeply engaged in supporting our programs. In fact, the last time I visited with Bill was at our Education Luncheon this spring, which celebrated the tremendous talents of our teenage artists across the community. He was generous with his talent, time and philanthropy and a role model for civic engagement.
While we join so many in grieving his absence from our daily lives, we are grateful for having been the beneficiary of Bill's positive influence at the Woodruff Arts Center. He was a lovely light who encouraged all around him to shine.
On behalf of The Woodruff Arts Center,

Virginia A. Hepner President & CEO

,,,.,,
HIGH MUSEUM OF ART ATLANTA

Atlanta ~
Symphony "-.,-""' Orchestra

Alliance n-tre at the Woodruff

Children's ~
Healthcare of Atlanta Dedicated to All Better
The Family of William J. "Bill" Taggart Morehouse College 830 Westview Drive S.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30314
Dear Taggart Family,
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta joins our community in mourning the loss of Bill Taggart. Bill was a highly respected member of our Foundation Board of Trustees, where he served for the past three years, and the effects of his sudden passing are felt deeply by all who had the honor and pleasure of working with him.
As a father, Bill had a deep connection to our mission and a passion for helping Georgia's sick and injured children . He was an advocate for Ch ildren' s, a champion for our patients and families, an accomplished fundraiser, a generous philanthropist and, most importantly, a friend to all.
When we th ink of Bill, we will always remember him as a kind, gracious person of great character who led by example. He was truly a man for others, and his legacy lives on at Children's through the countless lives he impacted as a Trustee of our organizat ion .
W. Paul Bowers Chairma n, President & CEO, Georgia Power Ch , Children' s Healthcare of Atl anta Foundation
k~~d
naw H/:r/'-
President & CEO, Ch ildren's Healthcare of Atlanta

ATlANTA BUSINESS lEAGUE
June 16, 2017
To the Taggart Family:
Bill was virtually introduced to me by former Atlanta Life President & CEO William Clement, a past Atlanta Business League (ABL) Board Chairman, after he was unanimously selected to serve as the President and CEO of the Atlanta Life Financial Group.
Two facts were very evident to me, the first time I met Bill Taggart. First, he was completely dedicated to his family and second, he was passionately proud of being a native Atlantan who grew up on the west side of town. From their inception, the Atlanta Business League and Atlanta Life have been historically connected. I was excited about having Bill's experience become part of the ABL story, and when I sat down to talk with him I was delighted to learn about his commitment to African-American business development. It was then that we envisioned a very clear path for him becoming chairman of the ABL Board of Directors.
He specifically shared his desire to build wealth and impact financial literacy in the metro Atlanta community. His warmth, friendliness, depth of knowledge and excitement about the ABL made me look forward to his tenure as chair. However, life doesn't always progress in the straight line we want to see. Bill was sworn in as the chair for the Atlanta Business League on January 24,2017. His speech left everyone who attended the ceremony feeling energized because he tied his family history and memories in Atlanta to his desire to see the ABL succeed with these words,
"My grandfather- Henry Howard -worked at Trust Company Bank through the 1960s and 70s. It's a job he held for nearly half a century. He kept me enthralled with stories about the thriving black businesses owned by the two Paschal Brothers...the Bronner Brother family and Alonzo Herndon who started a company in 1905 that would affect my future -Atlanta Life."
However, in April, a series of events also gave him the responsibility of leading Morehouse College as its interim president. It was a lot. He knew it, and so did we. But when he was offered the opportunity of taking a hiatus from his duties as ABL chair, he declined. He first explained to me why he felt it was important to lead our organization at this time in his life and Atlanta's history. Then, he met with the ABL board to share his vision and his heart regarding a financial resurgence on Atlanta's west side inclusive of the Atlanta Business League and Morehouse College. Bill confirmed for us that he was the right man, at the right time to lead our organization.
Now the ABL Board of Directors, members, and staff sadly join a much larger community who mourn Bill's passing. It is tragic to know that the man who had such hope for the future has now moved beyond the veil of life. I, along with everyone at the Atlanta Business League, offer our sincere condolences to you and our continued prayers and support.
Sincerely,

Leona Barr-Davenport President & CEO

931 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive* PO Box 92363 *Atlanta, GA 30314 * {404) 584-8126 * Fax: {404) 584-0445* www.atlantabusinessleague.org

10 0

BLACK MEN OF AMERICA, INC .~

What They See Is What They' ll Be
E xEcun vE C o MMITTEE & B O A RD OF D IR ECTO R S

June 12, 2017

C uRLEY M. D o ssMAN, JR. Chairman of the Board

MARVI N R . D ICKERSON
Vtce Chairman

MILTON H . J oNES, J R.
Treasurer

D R. M ARK ALEXANDER
Secretary

w . D ALE

A VERY

/merim Midwest District Represemative

lERRID D ouGLAS
Northeastern District Representative

AARON A. J ACKSON, J R.
Southern District RepresenTative

M ARCELLOUS " M ARK" R EED
Western District Represenratil'e
STANLEY L. SAVAGE
SouTheastern District Representative

K oLARELE SoNAIKE
International Representative

ACEY B YRD
Member At Large
c. K EVIN HILL, EsQ.
Member At Large
JEFFREY L. JACKSON
Member At Large

fiTZGERALD MILLER
Member At Large

RoBERT B. TAPLEY
Member At Large

JAMES "MAc" HuNTER, EsQ.
General Counsel
ALBERT E. DoTsoN, JR ., EsQ.
Chairman Emeritus

THOMAS W . DoRTCH, JR.
Chainnan Emeritus
NATHANIEL R. GoLDSToN, III
Preside/If Emeritus
DR. W ILLIAM H . H AYLING
President Emeritus

VERNON DURDEN
Chapter Del'elopment Committee Chair
KEVIN L. PATTERSON
ConvenTions & Meetings CommiTTee Chair

CLINT WALKER
Technology Committee Chair
B RIAN L. P AULING
Presidelll & CEO

To the Morehouse College family,
On behalf of the Board of Directors, Members, and Staff of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., we share in the deep sorrow felt by the loss of our brother, Interim President of Morehouse College, William "Bill" Taggart. We join the Morehouse family in remembering Bill and celebrating his legacy.
Brother Taggart will be fondly remembered for his leadership and unwavering dedication to service with our Charlotte and Atlanta Chapters. He was regarded as a visionary, and was highly respected by fellow members, mentees and stakeholders in both communities. He will be truly missed and will continue to be an inspiration for us all.
I had the pleasure of knowing Bill for many years and he was a remarkable man of character. His personal dedication and service to helping his fellow man made him a shining example for our youth, families, and community leaders. I, along with many others, am keenly aware of the difference he made in the lives of all those he touched! I will miss my colleague and friend greatly! However, I know his legacy will continue to impact lives for generations to come.
Again, our thoughts and prayers are with the Morehouse family and our sentiments extend to the Taggart family.
Our deepest sympathy,
Curley M. Dossman, Jr. Chairman of the Board

141 Auburn Avenue Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Main (404) 688-5100 Fax (404) 688-1028
Website: www. l OOblackmen.org

Mentoring the 100 Way Acrorr A LifetimeSM

Dan T. Cathy Chatrman Chief Executive Officer dan cathy@cfacorp.com
June 8, 2017
The Taggart Family 830 Westview Drive SW Atlanta, Georgia 30314 Dear Taggart Family,
I am deeply saddened by the death of Bill. Please allow me, on behalf of the entire Chick-fil-A family, to extend my sincere condolences to both the Taggart family and the Morehouse College community. As you navigate this journey of grief and shock, I pray you will find peace. Every tear that we shed has a story. Fortunately, in Bill's case--our stories and memories will position us to remember his leadership, integrity, and service to the world. More personally, I will remember the admiration I had for Bill's keen sense of"paying it forward." Bill's service to Morehouse College undoubtedly contributed to paving a successful future for the next generation of world leaders. Bill's legacy will live on through the lives he positively impacted. Although he will be missed dearly, 1hope we can be reminded that "to live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die." As believers, we have the assurance that we will be reunited and celebrate Bill again. That hope, for Bill, was made alive in his acceptance of Jesus as his Lord and Savior. As a result, he lived a life of purpose and fulfillment in that truth. Further, it is my heartfelt hope that the Taggart family and Morehouse community will continue to embody Bill's spirit for years to come.
Chick-fil-A, Inc I 5200 Buffington Road, Atlanta, GA 30349-2998 I chick-fil-a.com I 404.765.8000
I

l/T, ~~~Westside Future Fund
June 12, 2017
The Family of William J. "Bill" Taggart 830 Westview Drive S.W. Atlanta, GA 30314
To the Family of William J. "Bill" Taggart:
It is my sincere privilege to offer heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Westside Future Fund Board of Directors, executive leadership and staff. While we greet this day with heavy hearts, we are comforted by our overwhelming gratitude for having served with such a distinguished gentleman as Bill Taggart. We were truly honored.
Known to many as a mission-driven man with strong organizational skills, it was Bill's genuine commitment and caring heart that we will miss most. He exemplified servant leadership.
Bill was an early and strong supporter of the Westside Future Fund and quickly became a critical leader in the establishment of the organization. Through his involvement, he not only honored the legacy of Atlanta Life founder Alonzo Herndon, Atlanta's first black millionaire who built his life on the Westside, but brought to the Westside Future Fund mission his own personal connection and relationship. He often shared fond memories of his time growing up in English Avenue with his grandmother. And, undoubtedly, his role as a father, which he cherished most of us all, was a driving force behind his work-his wanting to create a better world for his daughter.
Bill's personal stake in the Westside included his steadfast love and respect for the people and institutions of this community-and his belief in the Westside's rebirth-creating in him an authentic voice on behalf of the Westside Future Fund . His passion was contagious and drew us closer to the work as well.
However, passion alone is not enough to succeed , particularly in community building. Bill understood this. With his belief in the redeeming quality of humanity and in the power of collaboration, he helped to lead our community engagement. All who knew him would agree that his thoughtful , reasoned approach to any problem was an invaluable asset.
We will forever remember him as a kind, courteous, respectful , principled man of the people who served willingly and ably as a bridge-between the races, between suits and sneakers. Bill has left an indelible mark on us all , and we will honor him by continuing the unique brand of leadership he bestowed upon his beloved Westside.
Sincerely,
John Ahmann Executive Director, Westside Future Fund
Westside Future Fund 1 www.westsidefuturefund.org I info@westsidefuturefund.org 1 404-793-2670 PO BOX 92273 Atlanta, GA 30314
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HOVVARD
UNI\TERSITY


Office ofthe Prestdent

June 8, 201 i
Dear Howard University Community,
On behalf of the entire Howar-d.University community, I wish to express my profound condolence"! to our Morehouse :family on the passing of Interim President \\lilliam Taggart. As the nation s only allmale historicaUy black college and university (HBCU); Morehouse College is certainly essential to the fabric of the HBCU community. It is without a doubt that Morehouse has made a steadfast commitment for J50 years to produce academically superior, mora1ly conscious leaders for the conditions and issues of today.
As a son of Howard; Interim President Taggart received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration frC>m Howard Univer-sity and his MBA from Harvard Business School Our thoughts and prayers are with the Taggart family. We wish them the str-ength to cope with their loss and hope that they will find comfort in having the love and support of family, friends, and colleagues.
Mr. Taggart's unwavering dedication to Howard is much appreciated. We ask now; more than ever, that the Howard University community will wr-ap its arms around his family.
Excellence in Truth and Service,
Wayne A. l Fr-ederick, M.D., MBA President

"{{!!Jlessed @!lssurance"
Words: Fanny f. Crosby I Music: Phoebe P. Knapp

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! 0 what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
{Refrain] This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. [Refrain]
Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest; Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
[Refrain]

"@!*>ward re!hziversity @!Am a @!later"
Lyrics: ].H. Brooks '16 I Music: F.D. Malone' 16
Reared against the eastern sky Proudly there on hilltop high,
Far above the lake so blue Stands old Howard firm and true. There she stands for truth and right,
Sending forth her rays of light, Clad in robes of majesty; 0 Howard, we sing of thee.
Be thou still our guide and stay Leading us from day to day;
Make us true and leal and strong, Ever bold to battle wrong.
When from thee we've gone away, May we strive for thee each day As we sail life's rugged sea, 0 Howard, we'll sing of thee.