The Wellington School Head Basketball Coach Artie Taylor, 50, Passed Away, Leaving Wife and Sons Heartbroken!

Just before he passed, Artie and his son, AJ, started the "We Fight Foundation" together.

December 12, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 12, 2026

A beloved father, son, coach, and assistant athletic director at The Wellington School, Artie Dwayne Taylor, passed away on December 11, 2026, at the age of 50.

Born on July 25, 1975, in Indianapolis, Artie leaves behind a family, friends, players, and an entire community that loved him deeply.

Artie Taylor is survived by his wife, Christine, his son AJ, his bonus son, Will Smith, Jr., and his mom, Kerry Monahan.

His son, AJ Taylor, born on March 28, 2005, also played varsity basketball at The Wellington School.

Just before he passed, Artie and his son, AJ, started the We Fight Foundation together.

The foundation will carry on everything Artie stood for: lifting kids, building leaders, serving the community, and showing compassion to everyone he met.

Artie (left) with his wife, Christine, and their son, AJ. (Image Source: )

Likewise, he also leaves behind his parents, Artie and Marva Taylor, parents-in-law Nancy Eaton, Bruce, and Kay Wilhite; siblings Renee Lewis, Kenny Parrish, Doug Taylor, Faye Judkins, and Tina Harris.

Artie was preceded in death by his siblings, June Jones and Rocky Glass.

Everyone who knew Artie will tell you basketball was important to him, but people always came first, especially his wife, Christine, and their son, AJ.

Dustin Harder, his former student, expressed his tribute, writing:

Honored to have been under Artie Taylor’s leadership for Wellington basketball from 2015-2017. You’re a true master at making young men become strong men by the way that you lead and your faith. Your legacy will never be forgotten. Thank you for all that you have done for us, Coach.

Artie earned his bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University and later his master’s from The Defiance College.

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For over 2 decades, i.e., 23 years, he coached young men in the game at several places, including Wittenberg University, Ohio Dominican University, and for the past 11 years served as head basketball coach and assistant athletic director at The Wellington School.

Artie had several coaching career highlights. His teams collected several wins, including a trip to the 2006 NCAA Division III national championship game as an assistant at Wittenberg, a state Final Four appearance in 2016 with Wellington, and the 2017 Boys Basketball State Runners-Up with Wellington.

For his contributions, John Carroll University inducted him into its Athletic Hall of Fame.

Nonetheless, the trophies never meant as much to Artie, for he believed basketball was just the tool he used to help boys grow into responsible, caring adults who understood hard work, teamwork, and faith.

He had a special way of pushing players to reach places they didn’t think they could go, and he did it all with encouragement and love.

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Now that he is not among us anymore, Artie has left a big void among his loved ones. He will be missed more than words can say, but the way he lived will stay with us forever.

A visitation is scheduled on Sunday, December 14, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 North High Street.

The funeral service will take place on Monday, December 15, at 10 a.m. at One Church, 817 North Hamilton Road in Gahanna.

Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, and then everyone is welcome to gather in Artie’s honor from 1 to 4 p.m. the same day at High Line Car House, 550 South High Street in Columbus.

During this challenging time, we extend our heartfelt condolence to his wife, sons, parents, siblings, extended family, and friends.

Rest In Heavenly Peace, Artie Dawyne Taylor!

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Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.

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