State of Tennessee proclamation. (Contributed Photos)
After more than 30 years as Hamilton County Attorney, Rheubin McGhee Taylor is stepping down from his post, marking the end of an era for one of Chattanooga’s most influential legal and civic leaders. His tenure marked the culmination of a remarkable career that began when he became one of the first Black licensed attorneys in Chattanooga and evolved into decades of dedicated public service.
“It was an honor and a pleasure to serve as Hamilton County Attorney for 32 years,” he said. “And I want to thank everyone for all the good wishes and accolades given to me.”
Taylor, 76, has long described his life as answering to “a higher calling,” referring to his dual role as both a legal advocate and spiritual leader. While his legal career brought him recognition and respect throughout Tennessee, Taylor says his true calling came as a pastor–a role he initially resisted but eventually embraced at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Lafayette, Georgia, where he has served for 29 years.
“I ran from my call for at least 10 years as an adult before I said yes,” Taylor reflected, comparing his experience to the biblical story of Jonah. His first sermon at Mt. Zion was aptly titled “Running in the Wrong Direction.”
Taylor’s journey to the county attorney’s office began in the 1970s when he returned to Chattanooga after earning his law degree from Howard University. With the help of family friend John Franklin, he joined the firm of Crutchfield, Moore, and Jenkins, where veteran attorneys took him under their wing and taught him that practicing law was “less about the money you made and more about helping others.”
His path into public service came naturally. In 1977, he was elected as a delegate to the Tennessee Limited Constitutional Convention, where he chaired the Interest Rate Committee. The following year, he began a 15-year tenure on the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners, serving multiple terms as chairman and chairman pro tempore.
During his time on the commission, Taylor played a crucial role in shaping modern Chattanooga. He was part of the delegation that traveled to Baltimore to study its aquarium, helping lay groundwork for what would become the Tennessee Aquarium. He also championed the vision for the Tennessee Riverwalk after witnessing Cincinnati’s Serpentine Wall along the Ohio River.
In 1993, Taylor transitioned to county attorney after his predecessor, Mike Mahn, recommended him for the position. Over three decades in the role, he provided legal counsel on contracts, negotiations and civil matters while advising elected officials and county employees on governmental issues.
However, his tenure wasn’t without controversy. In 2022, current Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp attempted to terminate Taylor before his contract expired, leading to a 10-month legal battle. Chancellor Jeff Atherton ultimately ruled in Taylor’s favor, affirming the validity of his contract through June 2025.
“I’m just thankful for the support of my wife, my family, my friends, my co-workers and staff who together went with me through all that,” Taylor said of the ordeal. “They kept me going.”
The Tennessee General Assembly recently honored Taylor with House Joint Resolution 634, recognizing his “outstanding service to Hamilton County” and noting his “integrity, wisdom, and professionalism” throughout his tenure.
While Taylor’s immediate family–his wife, Joyce Ryan Taylor, their combined five children, 12 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren–are central to his life, his influence and legacy extend far beyond, touching countless individuals he’s served from the courtroom to the pulpit.
“I see blessings wherever I look,” Taylor concluded when reflecting on his life and career. “Things turned out well.”
Although he’s stepping down from his Hamilton County position, Taylor will continue working as an attorney, stating, “I plan to maintain my law practice here in Chattanooga.” Janie Parks Varnell has been appointed as Taylor’s successor and will assume the county attorney role on July 1.