Wayne Proctor

South Carolina, United StatesSC

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American guitarist and songwriter

Wayne Proctor, the influential American guitarist and songwriter best known for his foundational role in the 1960s garage rock band We the People, passed away on February 15, 2026. Born and raised in Leesburg, Florida, Proctor's musical journey began at a young age, leading him to become a pivotal figure in the vibrant Orlando music scene.

As lead guitarist and a primary songwriter for We the People, Proctor crafted many of the band's iconic songs, including the garage punk classics "My Brother, The Man" and "Mirror Of Your Mind." His innovative playing extended to the unique "octachord" instrument, which he featured on the band's fourth single, "In the Past." Though We the People's singles achieved significant regional success in Florida and Tennessee, national chart recognition remained elusive during their active years.

Proctor's tenure with We the People concluded in early 1967 when he left the band to pursue college studies, a decision influenced by the desire to avoid the Vietnam War draft. Despite this departure, his songwriting talents continued to flourish, notably penning the minor hit "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" for The Lemonade Charade.

In the decades following We the People's initial run, Proctor remained musically active, performing with local bands in South Carolina, his last known residence. His contributions to garage rock gained renewed appreciation among music enthusiasts and collectors, with his early works frequently appearing on revered compilation albums like "Pebbles." Proctor also maintained a connection with fans through social media, often discussing the band and 1960s music, and his passing has been widely mourned by the community he touched.

Wayne Proctor's legacy is that of a true architect of garage rock, whose raw energy and distinctive songwriting left an indelible mark on the genre. His music continues to inspire and resonate with new generations of listeners, cementing his place in the annals of American rock and roll.

Those who wish to honor Wayne's memory are invited to .

Memorial created on February 15, 2026. Last updated on March 13, 2026.This memorial is published by the MemoriTree editorial team based on publicly available information.

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Jimbo KayFeb 20

Never really knew Wayne all that well growing up, except for his music. In the mid 60's when I was peddling papers The guys would practice at either Jungle Auto or next door at randy Boyett's house. i would pull up and listen sometimes for an hour. I doubt they gave much notice to the paperboy listening the driveway. Years later, we reconnected purely by accident on several different newspaper open forums and FB where we found we had many of the same opinions on life, music and politics. I feel like I really got to know Wayne, with the common memories and experiences we shared growing up in Leesburg. He was and will always be one of the good guys.

Mike NapierFeb 20

Wayne was my High School hero. Always wanted to be a musician, being inspired watching them practice through Jungle Auto window on Hwy 27. One my greatest thrills playing with Wayne, Val, Randy at class reunion.

John WashburnFeb 20

Being an orlando native I’ve always been a fan of Wayne and We The People. Since the early 80s my bands have performed You burn Me Up And Down and My brother the man. Our band The Treblemakers in San Francisco recorded the latter song. Thanks for the inspiration Wayne. RIP.

Dave HoeltjeFeb 19

Wayne and I never physically met although after our initial text exchanges I came to realize that I had seen We The People perform as a 16 year old when I lived in the Orlando area in the 1960's. We hooked up on FB about 10 years ago or so through a mutual friend and over the years exchanged nearly daily political rants and musical reminiscences. He was a kind, funny and gentle soul with nary a judgmental bone in his body. He will be missed beyond words.

Ray BrandesFeb 18

Today I hold close the memory of my friend Wayne Proctor — the man many of you knew as the guitarist for We the People — but whom I knew first as something rarer: a generous heart, a steady light. I had known his daughter Aly for years before she mentioned, almost as an afterthought, that her father had once been in a sixties band called We the People. In time Wayne and I found one another on Facebook, and he became one of those tireless champions every musician hopes for — quick with encouragement, rich with stories from the old days, always ready to amplify someone else’s song. We traded records, unraveled politics and rewound memories. He took pride in lifting up The Mothmen and in celebrating my friend Samira’s band as if their victories were his own. His enthusiasm was never nostalgic alone — it was alive, restless, tuned to the present. In recent years his convictions burned brighter, especially about the state of this country he loved. He spoke his mind with courage, even when it cost him old friendships. He believed in standing up, in standing firm, in letting his voice ring clear. Today I wish him a gentle passage and peaceful rest. My deepest love and condolences go to his daughter Aly, his wife Valerie, and his grandchildren, Ethan and Elliot. May the echoes of his guitar — and the kindness behind it — carry on long after the last chord fades.

Tim SennettFeb 18

Wayne was a wonderful and talented gentleman. He will be sorely missed….. I grew up listening to his music. I still listen to it often. Thank you, Wayne for your friendship and you wonderful music…… Tim Sennett

Rhonda KellamFeb 18

Wayne was a sweet friend and I followed his band We the People from being a 12 yr old...I loved them all. And eventually after I grew up.... my band played some gigs with the band he was in at the time. He will always hold a special place in my heart, he was a sweet man.

Maddison Campbell Feb 17

Papa you helped raise me from the time I was basically a toddler. You raised me to be the woman I am today and were always there no matter what. You will always be remembered by all of your friends and family. You’ll always be that light for me. 🫶

Wayne Proctor

American guitarist and songwriter

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