Wayne Robert Taylor, 84, of Harrisonburg, Va., passed away March 11, 2026, at Sunnyside Retirement Community. Born February 14, 1942, in Sioux City, IA., he was the son of the late Robert Earl and Lucille Wieland Taylor.
A devoted lover of Iowa and its people, Wayne Taylor was a proud graduate of the University of Iowa, where he earned a B.A. degree in 1964 and a Juris Doctor degree in 1967 from the Iowa School of Law. He entered service with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in July 1967 and was assigned to field offices throughout the country, including Seattle, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, and Jackson, Miss. During his distinguished FBI career, he held significant supervisory responsibility for civil rights and terrorism matters and worked on several prominent national investigations. In 1991, he was called to serve at FBI Headquarters, where he was appointed Deputy Assistant Director. He retired from federal service in July 1994.
Following his retirement, Wayne returned to Mississippi and while wholeheartedly embracing it as his home state, he developed a deep affection for all things Ole Miss football, Jackson Braves baseball, and the Atlanta Braves. A pillar of his faith community, he was extremely active at Covenant Presbyterian Church, where he served as both a Deacon and an Elder. He led several lasting initiatives, including the renovation of the church sanctuary and grounds and the construction of a columbarium that will serve as his final resting place. Wayne was equally committed to improving the lives of others beyond his immediate community. Appointed the first Director of the Mississippi Crime Commission, he focused on advancing drug prevention efforts across the state. He also served as a leader with Salt and Light, an organization dedicated to developing housing for impoverished communities in Honduras. His work included hands-on construction efforts and close collaboration with local Honduran partners to assist families with their rise from poverty.
On August 28, 1971, he married the former Elizabeth Wimberly, who survives. Also surviving are a son, David Wayne Taylor and wife, Beth of Arlington, Va.; a sister, Linda McCauley of Sarasota, Fla.; 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.
A committal service will be conducted at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Miss. on a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church missions, 4000 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211.
Condolences may be shared at kygers.com.
