Wayne Robert Taylor

Wayne Robert Taylor, 84, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, passed away on March 11, 2026, at Sunnyside Retirement Community. Born on February 14, 1942, in Sioux City, Iowa, he was the son of the late Robert Earl and Lucille Wieland Taylor.

A proud graduate of the University of Iowa, Wayne earned a B.A. in 1964 and a Juris Doctor in 1967 from the Iowa School of Law. He began his career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in July 1967, serving in field offices across the country, including Seattle, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, and Jackson, Mississippi. He took on significant supervisory responsibilities in civil rights and terrorism matters and contributed to several prominent national investigations. In 1991, he was appointed Deputy Assistant Director at FBI Headquarters and retired from federal service in July 1994.

After retirement, Wayne made Mississippi his home, embracing its people and developing a deep affection for Ole Miss football, the Jackson Braves, and the Atlanta Braves. A devoted member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, he served as both Deacon and Elder, leading major initiatives including the renovation of the church sanctuary and grounds and the construction of a columbarium that would become his final resting place. He remained committed to service beyond his community, serving as the first Director of the Mississippi Crime Commission with a focus on drug prevention, and as a leader with Salt and Light, where he worked hands-on to build housing and support families rising from poverty in Honduras.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth Wimberly Taylor; a son, David Wayne Taylor and wife Beth of Arlington, Virginia; a sister, Linda McCauley of Sarasota, Florida; three grandchildren, Katharine, Abigail, and William Taylor; one nephew and two nieces. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Leigh Taylor; a brother, Craig Taylor; and two sisters, Carole Stohlman and Janelle Carlson.