Michael Wayne Taylor

Michael Wayne Taylor Sr., 65, of Emporia, Virginia, passed away on Friday, August 1, 2025 at his home in Emporia, VA. He was born on June 15, 1960, to the late Dave and Mavis Smith Taylor. He was also preceded in death by his son, Mason Bayne Taylor and brother, Charles David Taylor Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Trina Fajna Taylor; his daughters, Chelsea Dayne Taylor Thorpe (Steven) and Caroline Layne Taylor (Kameron); his son, Michael Wayne Taylor Jr. (Samantha); his grandsons Maverick Bayne Thorpe and Waylon James Thorpe. He is survived by his sister, Audrey Smith Francis; and his sister-in-law, Diane Hobbs Taylor. He is also survived by his nieces, Kim Taylor Swenson-Bell (Aaron), Christy Taylor Moore (Andy), and Trina Francis Lamm (Robert); his nephew, Joseph Francis (Susan); along with a large extended family of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

After graduating from Greensville County High School, Mike served in the Virginia National Guard from 1979 to 1985. He began his working years at Georgia Pacific, where he stayed for over a decade. He later spent several years with the City of Emporia and eventually retired from Greensville County Water and Sewer Authority.

Mike was an honorary member of Brink Hunt Club, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors with many of his friends. He had a soft spot for animals and shared his home with a collection of cats and dogs over the years. In the evenings, he could often be found watching his favorite westerns, especially Gunsmoke.

Though he spent many years in the shadow of grief, his love for his family never wavered. He mattered deeply to those who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 from 4pm-6pm with a memorial service immediately following at Owen Funeral Home, Halifax Street, Jarratt, VA. Pastor Bobby Griles of Fountain Creek Baptist Church, Emporia, VA will be officiating the service. A private burial at St. John Lutheran Cemetery will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Emporia-Greensville Humane Society or to a charity of your choice.