2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26109328D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 271

Offered March 8, 2026

Celebrating the life of Wayne Oliver Pryor.

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Patrons—Carr, Cousins, McQuinn, Schmidt and Willett; Senators: Bagby, Jones and VanValkenburg

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WHEREAS, Wayne Oliver Pryor, a talented musician, inspirational mentor, and highly admired member of the Chester community, died on February 24, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Pryor grew up in Richmond's West End and was a well-rounded student who excelled in history and music and participated in a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program in high school; and

WHEREAS, in his youth, Wayne Pryor developed a passion for watching the nearby trains and railyards, and the rhythmic “clickity clack” of rail traffic echoed with him over the years as he honed his skills as a drummer; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Pryor pursued a career as a studio musician and was a member of several bands, including The Marvin Taylor Experience, the Lance Manley Band, and various iterations of PumpHouse Blues, with which he was featured on several albums; over the years, he appeared in community programming on local television stations and was a regular at FloydFest and other street festivals; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Pryor was also a highly sought-after drum instructor who played an integral role in the advancement of two generations of drummers and other musicians throughout the region; and

WHEREAS, just as Wayne Pryor kept the beat for his bands, he provided a sense of pace and rhythm for his family and community through his steady leadership, often behind the scenes; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Pryor was a dedicated father to three daughters, and he stepped to the front of the stage to be a stellar parent-teacher association president for John B. Cary Elementary School during challenging times for Richmond Public Schools; he further supported education reform by volunteering with various local programs, through which he met people from all walks of life and built a sense of community harmony; and

WHEREAS, in 2011, Wayne Pryor was introduced to his beloved partner Gayle Oneal, and they quickly developed a lifelong bond; he moved to Chester while maintaining commitments in Richmond, as well as caring for his mother in Petersburg; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Pryor was an affectionate, helpful, and well-learned gentleman; he was everyone's big brother, favorite uncle, or best friend for the long haul, and his legacy lives on through his storied accomplishments and generous contributions to others; and

WHEREAS, Wayne Pryor will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his partner, Gayle; his three daughters; and numerous family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Wayne Oliver Pryor; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Wayne Oliver Pryor as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.