Wayne Saylors: A Legacy of Love and Service Kenneth Wayne Saylors, at the age of 87, received Gods promise of eternal life on July 4, 2022. Wayne was known by many names. First and foremost, he was "Baby" to his loving wife of 37 years, Janice. To other family and friends, he was "Dad", "Grand-daddy", "GG", "Pops", "G-Pa"," Papa Wayne", "Wayne-O", "Burt", "Precious" and "Bulldawg". Regardless of the name by which he was known, he was the same Wayne to all making each one laugh, feel valued, loved and prayed for. He had the gift of encouragement and always made others want to be the person he knew they could be. Wayne was born on October 1, 1934 to Pearl Frances Dorn (Saylors) in Greenwood County, South Carolina. His family lived in what was referred to as a "mill village", a settlement developed around a large textile plant. By the time Wayne was six years old, his routine included cutting kindling and stocking the house with coal, among other chores. Growing up, he did everything from lawn care to shining shoes in the village barber shop. He also swept and cleaned the mill, and later worked as a car-hop at two local drive-ins. It was not an easy life but those early years laid the foundation for an unshakable work ethic that continued throughout Waynes life. After graduating from Greenwood High School in 1952, he directly joined the United States Navy. He served active duty for four years, followed by six years in the Reserves. Additionally, he received training at Camp Pendleton for special operations with the Marine Corps. In 1957, Wayne began his career in law enforcement. Employed by the Greenwood City Police Department, he moved through the ranks of patrol officer, detective, corporal, sergeant, captain (shift commander). During this time, he attended Piedmont Technical College where he earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, with post associate degree hours from Lander University. Wayne further enhanced his law enforcement credentials by completing an intensive course through the FBI National Academy in 1967. In 1977, he accepted the position of Chief of Police in Greer, South Carolina. During his first year there, he was named "Police Officer of the Year". He served four years as Chief of Police before returning to Greenwood, where he served as a Deputy Sheriff for the Greenwood Sheriffs Department, organizing Crime Prevention/Neighborhood Watch and Child Safety programs. During his tenure with the Sheriffs Department, he was awarded "Best Crime Prevention Program" in the state of South Carolina. Cumulatively, Wayne served 35 years in law enforcement - a deep commitment to service. After retirement, and a move to Athens, Georgia, Wayne began working for the University of Georgia Golf Course. He worked with UGA PE classes, the universitys golf team and the public. He was employed with UGA for 10 years. In 2001, Wayne and Janice moved to Blue Ridge, Georgia. However, retirement again, did not suit him and it wasnt long before his interest in antiques became a business. Primarily, he enjoyed finding a bargain and interacting with people while working at Main Street Antiques in Blue Ridge. Several years later he began a landscaping business. At the age of 81, he "retired" a fourth time. By his 85th birthday, he finally slowed down. During a visit with his doctor, he expressed frustration with his inability to work as he had through the years. The doctor looked at him and said, "Well Wayne, you've been 70 years old for the last 15 years!" Wayne enjoyed many hobbies. He was passionate about the restoration of his 1964 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. It was a lengthy process that took years to complete. He was a member of the Mountain Air Headz VW Club in Blairsville. His love for golf while working at UGA extended to retired life in the mountains and he became a member of the Butternut Creek Golf Course. Spending a day on the course with a great friend was a favorite activity. In June 2018, at the age of 83, he shot an age-defying hole in one on the 12th hole. Above all his other hobbies, WAYNE LOVED FOOTBALL (a priority in the Saylors home)....specifically, "them DAWGS". On game day, youd better be wearing red and black. He was a season ticket holder for 35 years and an avid tailgater. He would sleep in the bed of his truck on campus the night before games just so he could be the first one to raise his tent and UGA flag on gameday. Lastly, and most importantly, Waynes love for his Savior, who changed his life, connected him to the Body of Christ at the House of Prayer Church in Blairsville. The church body was his extended family. While serving in the usher/greeter ministry from 2001-2019, Waynes warm welcome on Sunday mornings always made people feel as if they were coming home rather than visiting. He also served as a volunteer every summer for 12 years with the international organization, Builders for Christ, using his time and skills to further Gods Kingdom. During his years at House of Prayer, Waynes faith grew as he learned to serve with the heart of Jesus. God worked in his heart much the same as one creates a landscape. Wayne loved cultivating, planting, watching transformation take place and beauty emerge. House of Prayer was the fertile ground in which God chose to plant Wayne. There God provided shepherding, love, acceptance and nourishment needed to transform and refine. The finished product was a radiant heart that reflected Gods grace and mercy. He often said, "Keep your head on straight" and "Never give up, give upgames over". Wayne shared what he knew to be Truth - God does not give up. He was living proof because God never gave up on him! Waynes favorite scripture verses were Phillipians 4:13, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" and Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God". During his extended illness, the one thing he could continue to do was pray for others. Wayne loved his family deeply and the sincere desire of his heart was that each one would know and love Jesus. To know Wayne Saylors was to know you were cherished, by him and by God. He is survived by his wife, Janice Saylors, his son Ken Saylors (Brenda Minor) of Greenwood, SC, "bonus" son and daughter Drew Davis of Athens and Amy (Scott) Wilde of Peachtree City. His grandchildren Megan Saylors, Mallory (John) Jefferson, Hannah Wilde (Mason Green, fiance), Landon Wilde, Kade and Jansyn Davis and great grandchildren, Reece and Dylan Jefferson. In addition to loving family, God gifted Wayne and Janice with their special "adopted/chosen" G-kids, Daniel (Lauren), Dylan (Lauren) and Kim Coyne. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the Joe (Barbara) Chancey family for walking by our side as family; friend/nurse,Terry Cellamare, for her special giving heart and helpful hands; Angela Stokes for the reflection of Gods love in every need throughout the journey; Jerry Rich and Jada Dyer for weekly uplifting visits and assistance; Kate Smith for her presence and unconditional love; and other loving friends for every act of kindness and the many prayers during the past year. The family also wishes to thank Amedysis Home Health Care, Compassus (hospice care) and Akins-Cobb Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:30 PM on July 24, 2022 at the House of Prayer Church in Blairsville, Georgia. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canal Lake Bible Camp (clbc-ga.org) or to support Union County Fellowship of Christian Athletes (checks made payable to "Union County FCA" for Jerry Helton support). Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge | 706-632-2267