Joe Earl Taylor Jr.

A lifelong South Carolina resident and incredible leader, Joe graduated from Wildewood School where he was Student Body President and a major asset on the football team. He then attended Wofford College where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, South Carolina Gamma Chapter. Joe was always a proud Terrier alumnus, serving on multiple boards including a long tenure on the Board of Trustees and earning the highest honor of an Honorary Doctorate from the College in 2019.

While he was a student at Wofford College, he and his father founded Southland Log Homes. He would quickly become president and CEO, leading the company to become the largest pre-cut log building producer in North America. He sold the company in 2005.

Joe began his time in state leadership when Mark Sanford appointed him the chair of the South Carolina Jobs Economic Development Authority in 2003. In 2006, the Governor appointed him Secretary of Commerce. Joe and his team worked tirelessly and passionately and put South Carolina on the map in regard to business development.

A few of the many accomplishments the state had during his term are highlighted in his City of Columbia Councilman biography (linked): “South Carolina was recognized as being one of the country’s top business-friendly states and led the Southeast in job recruitment in 2009 and 2010. He led the team that recruited the largest economic development project in state history and the national economic development deal of the year in 2009, The Boeing Company’s selection of Charleston, South Carolina, and the national economic development deal of the year in 2010, First Quality Tissue in Anderson, SC. 2010 continues to rank as the top year in South Carolina history for the number of new jobs recruited to the state. After his term with Commerce ended in 2011, Joe was appointed to the State Infrastructure Bank Board by Senator Hugh Leatherman.” (https://citycouncil.columbiasc.gov/council-profiles/joe-e-taylor-jr/)

Joe spent his next years dedicated to making our local communities greater, stronger and better for future generations. He worked primarily in real estate development, private equity, business advising and holding numerous ownership positions in various other ventures. In 2014, he began to make waves in West Columbia, founding his private equity venture, Southland Capital Partners located on State Street. He worked on developing the surrounding area, both residential and commercial, advising local businesses and created the West Columbia Food Map, a guide to all fine eateries of Cayce and West Columbia. He was awarded West Columbia “Man of the Year” in 2020.

In 2021, Joe took his passion for economic development and building a strong and safe community to Columbia City Council, winning the District 4 seat. After starting his term, he immediately got to work, chairing the Economic and Community Development Committee and serving on both the Administrative Policy Committee and Public Safety Committee. This past year in office, Joe spear-headed numerous projects, created strong alliances and teams and got multiple balls rolling all to improve and benefit the Midlands.

Outside of the office, Joe served on many influential boards. He was also awarded with the Order of the Palmetto by Governor Mark Sanford and the Distinguished Service Award from the SC Coaches Association. Joe was an avid bird hunter, huge Gamecock fan, published cookbook author, wedding planner and South Carolina State Fair pie judge.

Joe is survived by his wife, Amanda Walker Taylor, daughter, Ann Taylor Corontzes (Beach) and son, John Walker Taylor. He is also survived by his in-laws, John Sadler Walker and Dolores Clarke Walker, sister-in-law, Agnes Walker Yetman and numerous beloved cousins. Joe was predeceased by his father, Joe “Earl” Taylor, Sr., his mother, Franke Schofield Taylor and his brother, Thomas “Tommy” Schofield Taylor.

Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia on Thursday, January 5th at 1:00 p.m., with a visitation to follow in Jackson Hall (First Presbyterian Church). There will also be a livestream of the service at https://www.firstprescolumbia.org/live

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to accept donations to the newly established JET Fund in Joe’s memory. The goal of the JET Fund is to provide monetary support to individual amputees seeking financial assistance with purchasing prosthetic devices and services. This was a cause Joe was extremely passionate about, and the family hopes to continue his legacy through this Fund. Donations can be made out and mailed to the Central Carolina Community Foundation (2142 Boyce Street, Suite 402, Columbia, SC 29201) notating “JET Fund” on the memo line. https://www.yourfoundation.org/give-now/impact-funds/jet-fund/