MR. RUFUS TAYLOR August 5, 1935 - September 3, 1995 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Mr. Rufus Taylor, like his father Sam Taylor, was a tireless promoter of African Americans in the construction industry. He was a founding and sustaining member of Black Contractors United, the largest and oldest Black contractors association in the country, and served as its Board Chairman for several years. Mr. Taylor started in the business his father founded in 1922 as a part-time apprentice and moved up the ladder as electrician, foreman, general manager and then president and CEO from 1969 to 1995.

Following in the family tradition of quality and integrity, he led the company on such projects as the New Comiskey Park, Soldier Field, the United Center, Moo & Oink, Homan Square Homes, Independence Bank, South Commons, and Illinois Bell. But even as he was establishing the pre-eminence of Taylor Electric in the field, Mr. Taylor's energies were spent helping others advance in their industry and educational pursuits. He was most effective in that role as an executive committee member of the Electrical Contractors Association, and as a board director for the Electric Association, American Subcontractors Association, Hull House, the March of Dimes and the Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Taylor was a leader respected throughout the industry and a stellar role model and mentor to contractors, youth, and those who admire integrity and competence.