Meeting Fatty Taylor I met Roland Taylor “Fatty” in September 1964 in front of the dry cleaners in Seat Pleasant, MD. I was walking to the bus stop, minding my own business, had on my white leather coat looking cute mind you, when he stepped out in front of me blocking the sidewalk, and said “Girl I could really love you!” I rolled my eyes and kept on walking. Not knowing who he was and that he had just transferred from Spingarn High School to Fairmont Heights High where I attended. I saw him at school and I panicked. Well he won my heart, he was my first real love, and he broke my heart too. But through it all, we had three wonderful, loving and caring children, Kim, Kobie and Kellii and they were well worth that heartbreak. My wish for them is to always keep Fatty in their hearts and try to live their lives the way he did. Enjoy life, be happy and be at peace, but put family first. Fatty suffered a long time. We had many talks about our lives, the kids, the good and bad, and he knew all was forgiven. The one thing for sure I know was that “He really did love this Girl, forever.” Rest in everlasting peace my friend. Loving you always, Janice He Was My Somebody The Fat man was special to me from the beginning. Everybody needs somebody and Fatty was “my somebody.” I learned a lot about the game and life from him. Fatty gave me my nickname Iceman he saw something in me that I could not have seen without him. I love and respect “The Fatman.” George “Iceman” Gervin
Rare, Good and Kind Spirit Fatty was just one of those rare human beings that just connected with you. He was always just that person – a regular simple good person. Regardless of what he’d done or the accolades received or the people that he played with, he always went out of his way to treat everyone that came across his path with dignity and respect. I’ve known Fatty for a lot of years. Since his days with the Virginia Squires, Fatty has been the same person though out the years. Knowing Fatty has been a lesson in how to treat people. All people fell under his spell. Kindness with Fatty has never gone out of style. It has been good knowing him all these years. There are things about Fatty that one can never forget. Just by writing this brief note, I can see his smile. To all his family and friends – link hands and know that just the outer shell is gone. That inner spirit and flame will burn on forever. Rest in Peace Fatty. Howard “H” White Brand Jordan A Friend and Generous Man His will and determination was beyond reproach. His commitment to youth and anyone who needed help, he would be there for them. He was a friend who will be missed by many of us. He was one of the more generous human beings I have known who wasn’t looking for any return for his generosity. He will be missed! My condolences to his family. Bernie Bickerstaff Hello Friend I am truly saddened by the lost of my dear friend Fatty! Fatty, was one of the most generous and caring individuals that I have ever known. He fought his battle with Cancer in the same manner that he competed on the BB court. Heaven’s gates are open for him! RIP!! Mack Calvin Long Time Friend and Teammate Dear Brother! I will see you sooner than you might think. You’re a special person to me. Always have been and always will be. Love you. September
Friday, May 15, 2017 - 12:00 Noon Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church 1500 S Dayton St, Aurora, CO 80247 Rev. Dr. Jules E. Smith, Officiating Minister
Processional.................................................................Rising Star MBC Choir Parting Memories..................................................................Taylor Mortuary Selection.....................................................................................Ronnie White “He Saw the Best in Me” Scripture Reading.............................................................................. Ministers Old Testament – Rev. Bruce Merriweather | Psalm 90 New Testament – Rev. John Quick | John 14:1-6 Prayer of Comfort............................................................ Rev. Ida Gice Smith Selection............................................................................................CD Music “He Has His Hands on You” Acknowledgements, Condolences and Obituary............. Sis. Renee Minor Selection............................................................................................CD Music “Take Me to the King” Tribute to Our Friend..........Al Bowen, John Sudder, Rosalind “Bee” Harris, .....................................................Elmer “Tapp” Winters and Ralph Simpson Tribute to My Brother.............................................................Michael Wright Tribute to Our Father....................................Alena Dickerson & Kobie Taylor Selection......................................................................Rising Star MBC Choir Eulogy...........................................................................Rev. Dr. Jules E. Smith Closing Prayer................................................................................................... Closing Remarks....................................................................Taylor Mortuary Recessional........................................................................................CD Music “I Did It My Way”
Roland M. “Fatty” Taylor passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on December 7, 2017. His family and friends affectionately called him “Fatty.” He always carried himself in a stately, professional and friendly manner, bolstered by a hidden reservoir of energy, love and generosity. Fatty was born on March 13, 1946 in Washington, D.C. to the late George Taylor and Viola “Puddin” Wright. He was the third of seven children, brothers, G. Reginald, Ronald “Stickout,” Rodney and Michael and two sisters, Sandra and Diane. Fatty accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Beulah Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. On his many visits home to see his mother and family he would return to Beulah Baptist for services where he enjoyed fellowshipping with his old neighborhood friends. As a child Fatty was an all-around athlete, he played baseball, basketball, football, and he also ran track. Although not really a sport, he shot marbles and was known as a pretty tough, smart mouth dude on the street and people knew not to mess with him. Briggs Montgomery Recreation Center is where Fatty’s love of sports began. He excelled at sports at the Watts Branch Recreation Center where he became a standout athlete. He attended Spingarn High School and later transferred to Fairmont Heights High School where he graduated in 1965. A little unknown fact about Fatty was that he received a letter from the Dallas Cowboys to tryout as a defensive back. He also received a personal visit from the Cleveland Indians baseball scouts. However, basketball was his love. Under the mentorship of Mr. Milton “Skeeter” Douglas, Fatty attended Dodge City Community College in Dodge City, KS from 1965-1967, he then matriculated at La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA where he played basketball. As a two-year member of the La Salle Explorers from 1967-1969, Fatty was considered the Big 5’s top guard during his two seasons. While playing with the Explorers, he scored 464 points; dished out 169 assists, and led the 1968-1969 team to a 23-1 record, and a No. 2 national ranking in the final Associated Press Poll. As a 6 foot point guard, Fatty was inducted into the La Salle University Hall of Athletes in 1979, the Big 5 Hall of Fame in 2004 and his 1968-1969 La Salle team was honored in 2014 as having the best record in school history. Even though Fatty settled in Denver, CO. he never forgot his hometown sports teams. He was an avid fan of the Washington Redskins and the Washington Nationals. On Sundays he would reach out to his brothers to talk about the Redskins. Fatty married Janice Proctor, his high school sweetheart, and from their union three children were born, Kimberly, Kobie and Kellii. Fatty was extremely family oriented even though he traveled often, he always made sure that he maintained a close bond with his children. Upon his return home from road trips he always showered his children with gifts and love.
Fatty met Silestean “Buffy” Dickerson in Denver, CO., and their relationship was a span of over 18 years, from their union Alena Dickerson was born. They loved to travel; Las Vegas, NV was one of their favorite places to visit. They produced and hosted some of the hottest night clubs in Denver, CO. Fatty was blessed with seven grandchildren, Aolani, Kahlil, Khalonie, Jaelynn, A’Mari, Kellii Jr. and Aricksen. His grandchildren called him Papa or Granddad. In his professional life, Fatty was an American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association (NBA) Basketball Player. He played seven seasons in the ABA for the Washington Caps/Virginia Squires and one year in the NBA for the Denver Nuggets. He was a twotime member of the ABA’s All-Defensive First Team. Fatty played five of the six seasons that the Virginia Squires existed and was one of the team’s most popular players before he was traded to the Denver Nuggets in 1974. With the merger of the ABA and the NBA, Fatty continued his career until his retirement in 1977. Fatty was teammates with future NBA superstars such as Julius (“Dr. J”) Erving and George (“The Iceman”) Gervin. Fatty is credited with giving Gervin his nickname “The Iceman.
Following his retirement, Fatty became a business owner of multiple sports bars and night clubs, The Omni was his first business venture into the club scene. Fatty was also a mentor and coach for hundreds of youth through his Taylor-Made Playaz Basketball Camp. He was personally committed to his year-round program that went beyond basketball. He attempted to affect at-risk youth who needed assistance academically and socially. His primary goal was to help them achieve life skills and lead productive lives. Fatty is survived by his four children, Kimberly Taylor; Kobie Taylor (Tamara); Kellii Taylor (Jasmine); and Alena Dickerson (LaQuan); Mother Viola “Puddin” Wright, grandchildren; Aolani Allen, Kahlil Allen, Khalonie Taylor, Jaelynn Taylor, A’Marie Jones, Kellii Taylor Jr. and Aricksen Johnson. Siblings G. Reginald Taylor; Ronald “Stickout” Taylor; Sandra Honesty (William); Diane Smith (Jimmy); Rodney Wright (Christine); Michael Wright (Marissa); one uncle Bernard Tinner; one aunt Regina Taylor; devoted friends Dave Bing, George “Iceman” Gervin, and Elmer “Tadpole” Winters and a host of relatives and friends.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The family of Mr. Roland Morris Taylor aka “Fatty” acknowledges with humble hearts, our appreciation for every expression of sympathy during this hour. You have shared your prayers, visits, time and calls and we shall be forever grateful. May God continue His blessings on each of you! SPECIAL THANKS TO: Rocky Mountain Cancer Center and The Center at Lowry ACTIVE PALLBEARERS Al Bowen Troy Green, II Robbie McGill Anthony Rice Al “Your Pal” Taylor Jimmie Tubbs HONORARY PALLBEARERS George “Ice Man” Gervin Mark Perlmutter G. Reginald Taylor Ronald “Stickout” Taylor Rodney Wright FINAL RESTING PLACE and COMMITTAL SERVICES Lincoln Memorial Cemetery 4001 Suitland Rd. Suitland, Maryland 20746 You had a choice and you chose us…. Thank You! TAYLOR FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 15057 E. Colfax Ave., Unit “H” Aurora, Colorado 80011 (303) 344-1615 & 2531 Ogden Street Denver, Colorado 80205 (303) 996-9991 www.taylormortuary.com