Adored chemistry prof found dead in home

Chemistry professor Brian Keith Taylor died last weekend from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his home in New Chapel Hill, according to a Smith County Sheriff’s Department report. He was 35.

Taylor, a chemistry professor at the University since 2000, did not show up for class Nov. 3, and two faculty members, Dr. Howard Gray and Dr. Jason Smee, went to Taylor’s house to make sure he was OK, according the report.

Paramedics were called to the scene and he was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace James Meredith.

Taylor leaves behind two children, Nathan and Aaron of Tyler, and many students and friends.

“The faculty, staff and students in the Department of Chemistry are deeply grieved over the death of Dr. Taylor,” said Dr. Don McClaugherty, UT Tyler Department of Chemistry chairman. “He was both a colleague and a close friend of the faculty and staff as well as an outstanding teacher and caring mentor to students. He positively impacted many lives. Our department family will greatly miss him and his significant contribution to the chemistry program and the university.”

Taylor was born in Pine Bluff, Ark in 1972 where he graduated high school. He graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry, and later a Doctorate in physical chemistry from the University of Tennesse in Knoxville in 2000.

Taylor received honors at University including the 2004 Chancellor’s Council Teaching Award, 2003 Minnie Stevens Piper Award nomination and 2002 Presidential Summer Research Award.

He also was a member of the American Physical Society and American Chemical Society. He served as a reviewer for the Journal of Chemical Education and the American Chemical Society’s Petroleum Research fund.

Dr. Alisa White, dean of the college of arts and sciences, said the department is deciding what to do with Taylor’s classes, but most likely other chemistry professors will substitute. Funeral services for Taylor were Saturday in White Hall, Ark.

By Allen Arrick Editor in Chief