CARROLLTON, Ga. — A sea of raw emotion filled Mount Holly Church on Thursday afternoon as family, friends and law enforcement gathered to say farewell to Carroll County Investigator Taylor Bristow.
Carroll County Sheriff's Office Investigator Bristow died on Friday, Aug. 23, after being shot in the line of duty a few days earlier while serving a warrant.
He was a six-year veteran with the Carroll County Sheriff's Office. He was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on July 2, 1994. The 30-year-old of Carrollton was a deputy and investigator for the Carroll County Sheriff's Office for six years. He was a big fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves. According to his obituary, his passion was working with children and animal abuse cases.
Here are some key moments from the funeral where family members and loved ones spoke.
Moments
Procession
Community lined the streets of the procession route, paying their respects to Bristow.
The streets were filled with American flags held up by fire truck ladders waving in the air. A bird continued circling around the procession as they escorted his body from the funeral home to the Mount Holly Church.
A cross with a law enforcement officer holding a black and blue American flag stood outside the church.
Bartow County deputy delivers emotional remarks about his friendship with Bristow
Bartow County Deputy Clay Patterson took a long pause, holding back tears, before speaking to the crowd who came to pay their respects.
Fighting his tears, Deputy Patterson thanked everyone who supported the family, including multiple law enforcement agencies.
"I only had him in my life for five years, but they have been filled with so many fun times," said Patterson.
He recalled the first moment he met Bristow when he offered to help him shake his nerves the first day he returned to the force.
The deputy told the crowd how they grew closer together, cracking jokes about their most memorable moments.
Patterson proceeded to speak about the day Bristow was shot, ultimately leading to his death.
"He has proven that he didn't mind confrontation at work, and I think he proved that on Tuesday morning. Again, he was the most stubborn person and the most caring," Patterson added.
Deputy Patterson concluded by trying to "paint a small picture for those who did not know him outside of work."
"Taylor, he truly died saving and protecting those he loved. He had a huge heart. He truly did not want people to hurt. And I know he's looking down today, still smiling cause he knows that he accomplished his goal on Tuesday morning. Taylor protected the victims in those crimes," he said.
Watch his full, heartbreaking remarks below.
Carroll County Sheriff's Office sergeant reads letter on behalf of investigator's mother
Carroll County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Kim Hope told Bristow's mother, Shelly, that her words were "beautifully written."
"Taylor was certainly an honorable man who has left his mark on this earth for the lives of the people that he fought for," Hope added.
Sgt. Hope read two letters, one dated 12 years ago, when Bristow first went to college and another written for his funeral.
"Taylor was very loved and touched many lives. Today proves that to be true," his mother wrote.
Sheriff Terry Langley praises Bristow's courage the day of the deadly shooting
Carroll County Sheriff Terry Langley started his remarks by thanking all law enforcement agencies who were involved in supporting the family and staff.
"Just the escort up here unreal," he stated. "Phone calls, text messages, cards, letters make me even more proud to be a law enforcement officer in these times."
Sheriff Langley spoke about Bristow's character while working and his passion and dedication to his job.
"The first thing that comes to mind is a man of few words. He was just that way. But one thing I knew immediately he was dedicated. We hired him in 2018 as a patrol deputy. It was very plain to see he wanted to be in law enforcement. I honestly believe he had a calling.
Langley also gave condolences to the Paulding County Sheriff's Office, which recently lost Deputy Brandon Cunningham, who was also killed in the line of duty in an ambush.
He also thanked Gov. Brian Kemp for contacting the office and extending his condolences. The sheriff continued to speak about how Bristow became an investigator through his hard work and compassion.
Later in his remarks, Sheriff Langley also spoke about the day Bristow was shot.
"He wanted to be there for the search warrant. He left and kissed her bye and told her he loved them. They did not know that would be the last time they ever talked," he added. "Taylor knew about the danger, but he had the courage to do his job."
Last call ceremony, helicopter flyover
The services ended with a final call to honor Investigator Bristow and a helicopter flyover.
More about Investigator Taylor Bristow
He loved watching his son Noah play baseball while trying to coach behind the fence. And his daughter, Bella, was his princess.
"They had a special bond that was evident to everyone," the obituary read.
His dogs, Bo Duke and Daisy Duke, were his sidekicks and true companions. He also made it a point to talk to his brother and best friend, Hayden, daily.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Tommy Murray Sr. He was the son of Robert Bristow and Shelly Murray Bristow. In addition to his parents, survivors include his wife, Melissa Harkins Bristow; children, Noah and Bella Brock; brothers, Hayden Bristow of Waycross and Noah Bristow of Alma; and sister, Raelyne Bristow of Waycross.