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Fort Pierce, Fla. - William R. Wagner, 58, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2015, in Fort Pierce.
Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1974. Following boot camp, he served on the destroyer USS Semmes, before volunteering for submarine service. He served on the USS Whale, USS Billfish, USS Lafayette, USS Nevada and the USS Tennessee before retiring as a command master chief from New London SUBASE Squadron 2 in 1994.
Following retirement from the Navy, Bill began a second career with the Groton City Police Department where he worked as a training officer and shift supervisor, retiring after 15 years at the rank of sargeant. He most recently was employed as a substitute teacher for the Santa Rosa County School District in Florida.
Bill held a USCG 100-ton masters license and loved driving the UCONN Project "O" boat. He was a master diver who loved cave diving and was an avid cyclist. He held an advanced class amateur radio license and volunteered for the Special Olympics.
Bill was a member of the Silent Service-Submarine Veterans, Masonic Brotherly Help, Scottish Rite, US Silver Dolphins, North Central University Alumni, Freemasons Without Borders and the Law Enforcement Educators and Training associations. He was an active member of the West Milton Church of Christ in Florida.
Bill earned his associate's degree in general studies from the University of MD, his bachelor's degree in pubic safety administration from Charter Oak State College and his master's degree in criminal justice from North Central University.
Bill is predeceased by his father, Norvel Wagner.
He is survived by his wife, Donna (Moats) Wagner of Madison, W.Va.; mother, Carnegie Wagner of Milton, Fla.; sons, David Wagner of Groton and William Wagner II of Lisbon; step-daughter, Katie Kirk and her daughter, Aliyah of Madison, W.Va.; sister, Jeanette and brother-in-law, Wayne Hamilton of Baltimore, Md.; nephew, Barry Hamilton and children, Kayla and Marley of Harpers Ferry, W.Va.; as well as his maternal uncle, Sonny Joe Estep of Okeechobee, Fla. Along with his family, he leaves behind many shipmates and lifelong friends.
Funeral details may be found at http://www.barlowbonsall.com.
Memorial donations may be made to the Middlesex Community College Veterans OASIS fund; MxCC Foundation, 100 Training Hill Road, Middletown, CT or to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
To Bills family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. He was a special man, and will be greatly missed.
Cindy Grenier
March 28, 2015
My sincere condolences to Bill's Family. Bill always had a smile whenever we met. Great conversation, and laughter.. He will be missed..
Joe Renda
March 27, 2015
To a good Cop and a great friend, you are one of a kind and will be missed. Thank you for your life of service, this world is a better place because of you.
Harry & Diane Merritt
March 27, 2015
Sorry to hear of Bills passing. He was always a welcome sight in the streets. Peace be with you...
Bobbette & Tommy Clapsadle
March 26, 2015
To the Wagner Family,
On behalf of the Charleston Base SUBVETS and Swamp Fox Chapter SUBVETS WWII, I offer you our sincere condolences on William's passing. We grieve with you on the loss of your loved one and all SUBVETS and their families have your family in our thoughts and prayers. There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and William will always be remembered as a Brother of the Phin and a great Patriot.
YNCM(SS/SW) William R. Wagner
US Navy Submarine Veteran Retired
Now on Eternal Patrol
Sailor Rest Your Oar
Your Shipmates Have The Watch
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate
Charleston Base Submarine Veterans
Nick Nichols, Base Chaplain
Nick Nichols
March 26, 2015
my thoughts go out to Bill's family. I knew him as a Groton City Police Officer and we became fast friends. His sense of humor and dedication to his friends showed in all he did. You will be missed.
Deb Mathis
March 26, 2015
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Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Funeral services provided by:
Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home & Crematorium1118 Virginia St E, Charleston, WV 25301
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