Richard Wayne Taylor

Richard Wayne Taylor, 86, entered the gates of heaven on July 18, 2026. Born on June 15, 1940, in Hopewell, Virginia, he was the son of the late Alonzo Lee Taylor and Nina Jones Taylor. Richard was a devoted husband to Deborah V. Taylor, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage.

Richard dedicated 35 years of his career to the Firestone plant in Hopewell while also pursuing entrepreneurial ventures that reflected his passion for serving others and connecting with his community. He owned and operated Taylor’s Musical Supplies and Telephone Connections—two local businesses that proudly served Hopewell and the Tri-Cities area for 15 years. Richard also worked as an On-Air Personality and DJ at WHAP in Hopewell. Through both his work and his businesses, Richard built lasting friendships and touched the lives of countless people in the community he called home.

Outside of work, Richard was a lifelong NASCAR fan whose enthusiasm for the sport never faded. He was also a devoted supporter of the Cleveland Browns, faithfully cheering on his team through every victory and challenge. He was also an active bluegrass musician who found great joy in playing music, sharing his talent with others, and celebrating the traditions of bluegrass throughout his life. Richard’s quick wit, infectious laughter, and wonderful sense of humor brought joy to those around him, and it will be greatly missed.

Richard is survived by his wife, Deborah V. Taylor; five children, Cathy MacLaughlin, Susan Bagby, Kenneth Taylor, Karen Taylor, and Kimberly Keeley; his brother, James “Jimmy” Taylor (Bernice); his brother-in-law, Larry Robertson (Bonnie); fourteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Beyond his immediate family, his memory will be cherished by his beloved church family and countless friends and fellow musicians whose lives he touched through his faith, friendship, and music.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Alonzo Lee Taylor and Nina Jones Taylor; mother-in-law, Clara R. Vest; two brothers, Gilbert Taylor and Tony Taylor; a granddaughter, Jessica Turner; and a grandson, Christopher Steveson.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, 820 West Broadway, Hopewell, VA. The night prior, a visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the funeral home. Interment will follow the funeral at Sunset Memorial Park in Chester, Virginia.

Let us gather to celebrate the life of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.