Errol Wayne Jernigan

1941 - 2026

Errol Wayne Jernigan

September 27, 1941 - March 28, 2026

Charlotte, North Carolina - Errol Wayne Jernigan, 84, known to many as Wayne, passed away on March 28, 2026.

He was born on September 27, 1941, in Sumter, South Carolina, to Woodrow Wilson Jernigan and Sarah Elizabeth Brannon Jernigan. He attended Edmunds High School.

Early in his career, Wayne worked as a drummer for Ernest Tubb from 1968 to 1970 as part of the Texas Troubadours. This experience helped guide his transition into the recording world and established a lifelong connection to music.

Wayne later founded Reflection Sound Studios, which became one of the most respected recording studios in the Southeast. Over more than four decades, he supported a wide range of artists and contributed to recordings that left a lasting impact on the music industry. Reflection was known not only for its work, but for the environment Wayne created. He built a space that encouraged creativity, supported collaboration, and welcomed artists at all levels. Many meaningful relationships and careers began within its walls.

After retiring, Wayne purchased Little Horse Island outside of Beaufort, SC in 2014. There, he focused on preserving the island's natural landscape and its population of marsh tacky ponies. This chapter reflected his appreciation for conservation and quiet stewardship.

Outside of his professional life, Wayne enjoyed playing tennis and running in his younger years and had a passion for woodworking and renovating and remodeling projects. He valued working with his hands and took pride in building and creating.

Wayne is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Kelly Jernigan; his sons, Matthew Wayne Jernigan (Kaitlyn) and Francis Wayne Jernigan; his grandson, Cameron Alan Bright; his sister, Sandra Jernigan Edwards; and his nieces and nephews, Renee E. Spears (Danny), Cindy E. Belch (Brent), Chris Edwards (Tracy), and Travis Edwards.

He was preceded in death by a nephew, Derrick O. Edwards, Sr.

He will be remembered for his dedication to his children, and his legacy will live on in them.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the The Parkinson's Foundation.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Bob Calvert officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.