Wayne Holland Taliaferro

Born in 1951 in Columbus, Ohio, Wayne was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and professional who brought steady commitment to everything he took on.

He graduated as salutatorian of his high school class and appeared in several school theater productions. He began his college education at Kalamazoo College and later transferred to Ohio State University, where he earned a degree in computer programming as part of OSU’s first graduating class in the field.

In 1973, Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Linda, and the two moved to Texas shortly afterward, where he started his career at Texas Instruments. His career in technology spanned several decades, encompassing roles at IBM, HCA, Fifth Third Bank, and Safe Auto, as well as periods of private consulting.

Wayne was actively involved in his children’s lives, regularly attending all their sports, music, and school events. He and Linda prioritized their family and spent many years supporting their kids’ interests and activities.

He was a longtime member of Bluegrass Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. After their children graduated from high school, Wayne and Linda relocated first to Cincinnati, and later back to Columbus, Ohio. During this time, they became involved at Vineyard Church, where they participated in a small group community. Wayne also remained engaged in various personal interests and business ventures. A lifelong Ohio State football fan, he rarely missed watching a Buckeyes game.

Wayne was a devoted caregiver to his wife during her illness and later faced his own health challenges with resilience. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease just three years after her passing and approached the condition with determination, surviving two cases of COVID-19 and a pulmonary embolism. In 2020, he moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee to be closer to family and continue his treatment and support. He remained physically active throughout his journey, participating in the Rock Steady Boxing program in Cleveland, Tennessee.

He is survived by his children Megan (Nathan) Bragg and David (Kelly) Taliaferro; grandchildren Samuel, Benjamin, Jonathan, and Rosalind Bragg, and Gideon and Asher Taliaferro; and his brother, Joseph (Laura) Taliaferro. He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; his mother, Jane Ann (Steve) Howerton; his father, Charles Taliaferro (during Wayne’s childhood); and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 23, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., and again on Thursday, July 24, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., followed immediately by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. All services will take place at Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, located off Dickerson Road in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research: www.michaeljfox.org. To learn more about current efforts that are very close to stopping or curing Parkinson’s Disease, please visit: www.michaeljfox.org/state-field.