HEIDELBERG, Miss. ( WHLT ) – The family of Heidelberg Mayor David Taylor II is remembering his legacy as a father, educator and mayor after he passed away.

Taylor passed away on Saturday, July 13. His wife and daughter said he was a loving husband and father of two.

“His drive was making sure everyone was okay. He did everything he could do. He went out of his way for people, no matter what hour of the night. He went out of his way,” said Shana Taylor, his wife.

“I love my dad, and he’s always in my heart. He’s always been a good dad to me,” said Bella Taylor, his daughter.

Taylor became mayor in July 2021 with a mission to help the youth and expand business in the Town of Heidelberg. He founded the Heidelberg Mayor’s Youth Council and helped end a food desert.

“Downtown has a lot of business owners now. There is no longer a food desert there in Heidelberg, Mississippi. He worked very, very hard to get us a Piggly Wiggly. Now, new businesses are coming to Heidelberg. He has worked so hard,” said Shana.

The mayor also worked as a math teacher with the Laurel School District for nearly 14 years. He was selected as the 1029 High School Teacher of the Year.

“His thing was numbers and reaching kids. David had a way with getting perfect scores on everyone’s state tests. His connection with those kids was magnificent, phenomenal,” said Shana.

Taylor’s wife said there’s one message he would want to leave for his town: to come together.

“Continue my legacy. Let’s continue to build, let’s continue to connect with each other, work together. Let’s get out of here and get Heidelberg back up and running,” said Shana.

Services for Taylor will be held on Saturday, July 20 at the Heidelberg High School gymnasium. There will be a public viewing at 10:00 a.m.

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