George V. Taylor, emeritus professor of history at the University of North Carolina, died at age 92 on December 12, 2011, in Chapel Hill, NC.

A New Jersey Quaker by birth, he graduated from Rutgers University. During World War II he served in the Pacific as an artillery officer and received the Bronze Star for valor during the Philippines campaign and then participated in the occupation of Japan.

After the war he began graduate study at the University of Wisconsin, where he met Margaret, his wife of 63 years. In 1950, with a brand-new Ph.D., he began teaching at Michigan State University and then had the great good fortune to be invited to join the history faculty at Chapel Hill. He never wanted to leave. He was a splendid teacher and lecturer. He received several teaching awards and, because of his rich, sonorous voice, was often asked to speak on behalf of the University. In mid-career he was elected to be Chairman of the Faculty and then chairman of the history department. He also chaired numerous committees that made recommendations on University policy and curriculum. His scholarship included several landmark studies of French economic history, particularly as it pertained to the French Revolution.

In private, George had a dry wit that delighted his friends and family. He was an enthusiastic hiker and swimmer and loved Carolina football and basketball.

He adored his family: wife Margaret, son Bruce (Paula) of Boxborough, MA, and daughters Betsy Taylor of Cary and Bonnie Blake (Travis) of Chapel Hill. There are also grandchildren Ben Taylor of St. Louis, MO and Sarah Blake of Chapel Hill, sister Marion Smith of Biglersville, PA, nephew Richard Smith of Lebanon, PA, and niece Katherine Smith of Raleigh.

Memorial gifts may be made the UNC History Department.