Bibb Courthouse Renamed After Judge J. Taylor Phillips

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County courthouse now has a new name in honor of one of it’s own who left a lasting legacy on the city of Macon.

The courthouse is now named after Judge J. Taylor Phillips, who served as a judge for 48 years.
Phillips died in June of last year at age 90, but the Bibb Commission began talks of naming the courthouse in his honor back in February.

Hundreds were on hand for the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to his name, including family members and colleagues who all remembered him as a tough but fair interpreter of the law.

“It’s not just about the length of time he served as a judge, but it’s about what he did as a judge that helped us make the recommendation this day in his honor,” said Bibb County Commission Chair, Sam Hart.

Phillips’ wife Elizabeth got very emotional during the ceremony. “He would be so proud, and so honored, and so humbled, and so….everything,” she told 41NBC, fighting back tears.

Phillips taught at Mercer Law School for years, and many of his students went on to become prominent lawyers in Macon.