Taylor funeral home of Louisville announces the death and celebration of life service of Mr. William Wayne Thigpen, 74, of Darien, Georgia formerly of Wadley who departed this life Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at SGHS Brunswick Campus.

We invite family and friends to join us for a celebration of life at the Wadley City Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2022.

Born October 6, 1947, to the late William Jesse and Norma Brinson Thigpen. Wayne grew up in Wadley and graduated from Wadley High School. He was a Beta Club member and a football player.

He received a civil engineering degree from Auburn University in 1970. He had a successful career in equipment sales to the paper mill industry. He, also, held a real estate broker's license and sold houses and land around McIntosh County for Commonwealth Realty.

Wayne was preceded in death by his sister, Allene Thigpen Rabun, nephew, Maron Rabun and a brother, Russell Zeigler.

Survivors include his brother-in-law, William W. Rabun, nieces, Debra Smith (Randy) and Diane Rodgers (Arpie), nephew, James David Zeigler, sister-in-law, Joy Zeigler Edwards, great nephews Will Smith, Drew Smith, Davis Smith and Russell Rodgers and a great niece, Danielle Nanassy.

Wayne will be remembered for his big smile, twinkling blue eyes, his cooking and grilling expertise, his parties and love of life. He had many loyal friends who loved him and will miss him. Wayne marveled at God's work, a starry night, flowers and butterflies. He, loved the woods, especially when his beloved Brittany Spaniels were with him.

Special thanks to Roy Parks, caretaker, and to Karen Bair, his devoted friend.

For those unable to attend the Wadley Celebration of life, there will be a gathering of friends on November 30, 2022, in Wayne's backyard, at 1027 Baywood Avenue, Darien, under the oaks, at sunset.

Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Care of Louisville is in charge of local arrangements.