Former Galveston County Sheriff Joe Max Taylor has died

GALVESTON, Texas – Former Galveston County Sheriff Joe Max Taylor died Sunday evening, according to the Galveston County Sheriff's Office.

Taylor served as sheriff of Galveston County from 1981 to 2000. The Galveston Law Enforcement Facility bears his name on the entrance.

The sheriff's office did not say how Taylor died. He was 86 years old.

Here's what officials with the Galveston County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook:

"It is with a heavy heart we must say good bye to Sheriff Joe Max Taylor. Sheriff Taylor passed quietly yesterday evening. He served the citizens of Galveston County for decades. He was THE Sheriff from 1981 - 2000.

"Please join us in lifting his family in prayers during this time."

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