Harold Wayne Traylor

With deep admiration and respect of a life well lived, we remember Harold Wayne Traylor, 85, of Laurel, Mississippi, who passed away peacefully at home on May 3, 2026, surrounded by love until his soul found peace. Born on October 7, 1940, near Sandersville, Mississippi, Wayne’s early years were defined by the steady rhythms of rural life. Growing up in a home without electricity or running water, he learned the value of a hard day’s work and the importance of resourcefulness. These childhood lessons in humility, grit and helping out his fellow man stayed with him throughout his life, shaping the principled man he became. Wayne’s life took a beautiful turn when he decided to attend Laurel High School, where he found lifelong friends and met his one true love, Ginny Risher. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi and after graduation, began a long career at First National Bank which later became Deposit Guaranty and eventually Union Planters, rising through the ranks to Vice President. Wayne was a "people’s banker" at heart guided by integrity. He took immense pride in helping those in his community achieve their dreams and often lamented the transition to computerized banking, missing the face-to-face connections and personal handshakes that he felt were the true soul of the business. Wayne was the recipient of many community leadership and service awards that were given by Mayors of Laurel, the Jaycees, United Way and even the Governor of MS. Wayne and Ginny’s marriage was a real-life love story—sixty years of partnership, laughter, and devotion. They raised three daughters—Tracy, Janie, and Susie—and built a home centered on faith and stability. In 1988 their lives were forever changed when Tracy suffered a traumatic brain injury. Tracy endured months in a coma and a long rehabilitation before returning home. During that period Ginny stayed with Tracy during the week while Wayne visited on weekends, often passing each other on the interstate. Together they became Tracy’s devoted caregivers while continuing to love and raise Janie and Susie, showing a resilience and devotion that defined their family. Wayne embodied the idea that love is not just a feeling but a commitment to show up day after day no matter what. Wayne’s faith in his savior Jesus Christ was his true north. A founding member and Elder of Westminster Presbyterian Church, he did not simply attend church—he lived it. He and Ginny were pillars of the congregation, known for their generosity, service, knowledge of the scripture and an unwavering commitment to helping friends, family, and the wider community. His church family showed profound compassion when Ginny passed and continued to surround Wayne with care and love. When Wayne was away from the bank, his happy place was the golf course. Golf was his escape and recharge. He achieved a remarkable feat at Laurel Country Club by recording a hole in one on every Par 3; Hole 8 and 9 were his favorites and became his warm up routine and The Club ended up naming it the “Traylor Trail.” Lifelong friendships were forged on the course, and the family extends deepest gratitude to Joe Sanderson, whom Tracy calls “Uncle Joe,” for his love and dedication to Wayne to the very end. The family also thanks Mike Allen and Billy Horne for their loyalty and support. Wayne was known by many nicknames—Wonderful Wayne, Bubba, Whiffer, the Zip—but his favorite and most cherished name came from his grandchildren Reed and Della: “Grand Buddy.” You might say that being called Grand Buddy was the greatest badge of honor for Wayne. It made his heart swell every time he heard it. He will be remembered for his steady presence, gentle humor, quiet generosity and the dignity with which he met both triumph and trial. All of these attributes made him a steady anchor for those who knew him and made a community that was better for his presence. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Hobson and Dorothy Traylor; his siblings Marthell, Jerry and Jeanette; and his beloved wife Ginny Traylor. His legacy of resilience and love lives on through his three daughters, Tracy Traylor, Janie Collins, and Susie Jones; his two grandchildren, Della Shuster and Reed Jones; his nephew Chuck Bell & wife Nancy Bell; his nieces Kim Casey, Linda Ramos, Karen Traylor and Marsha Traylor. A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held on Tuesday, May12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church. A graveside service will be at Erata Cemetery for family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Quiet Waters, a non-profit Christian Ministry in Canton, MS- www.quietwaters-ms.org in Wayne’s honor. To view or sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Harold Wayne Traylor

October 7, 1940 - May 3, 2026