Gary L. Taylor

Gary L. Taylor, founder of Akron-based InfoCision Management Corporation and philanthropist, passed away Saturday, March 2nd, just over three years since he initially fell ill after a heart attack suffered in 2009. He was 59 years old.

Gary was born and raised in Akron by mother Betty and father Robert. He and his brother Bob spent countless hours outside with neighbors playing sports and enjoying the outdoors. He always had a passion for the game of golf, fishing, and a good party.

Gary spent his entire life in the same community. He graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing in 1975. He continued on to earn his MBA, while serving as a graduate assistant, in 1977. It was at the University of Akron he met his wife of 34 years, Karen, and shaped his career path.

Gary began his career working for Rex Humbard Ministries as their Director of Marketing. He traveled the world negotiating TV contracts, and developed a love for marketing, the psychology of business as he called it. He also made many lifelong friendships with the Humbard family and entire ministry team.

In 1982 he started InfoCision Management Corporation in the breezeway of his home, with Karen as his first employee and newborn baby Lindsay by their side in her swing. After a reaching ask to file away his fishing maps, Karen was soon replaced by Vickie Creekmore who after thirty years is still a dedicated employee and friend. They were later joined by son Craig in 1985, the same year the company began making their first outbound fundraising telephone calls with internal "Communicators" who could best relate with donors.

Gary's goal was never to run the largest telemarketing company, just the best. Through an incredible drive and passion, and with the help of countless loyal partners, InfoCision is now the second largest privately held teleservices company in the world, employing over 4,000 people. They raise more money for Nonprofit organizations than any other teleservices company in the world. They are also a leading call center partner with some of the largest Fortune 100 companies, winning countless awards in quality, growth, creativity and employee treatment.

Gary was always known as a man of his word, honoring every deal he ever made on a handshake. He always treated his employees with the utmost respect and was well known for his appreciation of others and generosity. Because of his friendly personality, he was always "Gary" and never "Mr. Taylor."

Gary had a passion for giving back to the industries and organizations that changed his life. In 2004 he and Karen opened the Gary L. and Karen S. Taylor Institute for Direct Marketing at the University of Akron. The Institute has the largest dedicated curriculum, facility and staff dedicated to teaching direct and interactive marketing at the college level.

As part of Akron's downtown renovation, he also made the lead donation to sponsor the University of Akron's on-campus football stadium in 2009. Standing in state of the art InfoCision Stadium, cutting the ribbon with Karen and many other loyal Akron supporters was one of the proudest days of his life.

Gary's passion for golf also became a business venture, as he became the principle owner of Granite Golf Properties (GGP). GGP owns and operates Medina Country Club, The Quarry in Canton and Shale Creek in Medina. More important than the business of golf, Gary loved all of the great people he was able to meet and play with over the years. His memories on the back porch, plane rides and golf trips, will always live with him forever.

Gary is survived by wife, Karen Sue; children, Lindsay Rose Tadsen (husband Thomas David) and Craig Scott (wife Mindi Michelle); and grandson, Thomas David Tadsen III (Tommy). Barry Creekmore also became a part of the Taylor family with his dedication and care of Gary and his tremendous support to the entire Taylor family.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held 11 a.m. THURSDAY at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., with Rev. Barry Creekmore officiating. Private interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home WEDNESDAY, from 5 to 8 p.m. and one hour before services on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gary's life can be made to the Gary L. and Karen S. Taylor Family Foundation at 325 Springside Drive, Akron, Ohio 44333. Attn: Lori Feist, Foundation Secretary.