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Billy Wages Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
BILLY K. WAGES SR. Billy K. Wages, Sr., age 71 of Stone Mountain, died Monday October 11, 2004. Billy, the owner of Wages and Sons Funeral Homes, was a native of the Harbins Community and a graduate of Dacula High School class of 1950. He began his career in funeral service in 1949 working part-time at a local funeral home. He graduated in 1956 from John A. Gupton School of Mortuary Science in Nashille, TN. He dedicated his life to his family, his profession and his community. He came to Stone Mountain in 1970 to work with the Couch-Mundy Funeral Home eventually purchasing the business where he owned and operated it as Wages and Sons Funeral Home until his death. He served as the Coroner of Gwinnett County from 1968 until 1984. He was a member of the Stone Mountain Masonic Lodge #449 F. & A.M., the Yaarab Shrine Temple and the Royal Order of Jesters Court #91 where he was currently serving on their board of directors. A member of the Academy of Graduate Embalmers of Georgia, he served as President in 1992. Billy served on the International Order of the Golden Rule and was their President from 2003 until 2004. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Melba Clack Wages; daughter and son-in-law, Sheila Wages Millsaps and Rex Millsaps, Lawrenceville; son and daughter-in-law, Bill Wages, Jr. and Nan Wages, Snellville; daughter, Belinda Wages Edwards, Lawrenceville; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey S. Wages and Susan Wages, Dacula; grandchildren, Andy Millsaps, Chad Millsaps, Melissa Reeder, Karla Millsaps, Josh Wages, Rebecca East, Jeremy Edwards, Mitchell Edwards, Lauren Wages and Kirsten Wages; great-grandchildren, Anderson and Avery Millsaps, Grayson Reeder, Dillon and Makenzie Wages, Andrew and Alexis East. He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Bentley Wages and his brother Melvin M. Wages in 2002. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at Sunrise Baptist Church in Lawrenceville. Claude Bennett and Rev. David Poe will officiate. Burial Gwinnett Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Billy's memory to Yaarab Shrine Children's Hospital, 950 West Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605-42177 or the OGR Award of Excellence Scholarship Fund, 13523 Lakefront Dr., Earth City, MO 63045. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 1:00 until 4:00 and 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Gwinnett Chapel 770-277-4550. Wages and Sons Funeral Homes Inc.
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Memories and Condolences
for Billy Wages
Michael Binette
November 19, 2004
Back in the day, Billy Wages bought Mundy Wages Funeral Home and Crematory from my late grandfather, Marion Mundy. After that my uncle Bruce went into business with Bill. My family continued to be very close friends with the Wages family. Whenever there was talk about Bill, it was never anything negative. Bill truly led a great life and I speak for the Mundy family when I say that I am sad to see him go. Blessings.
Carol Gardner
October 30, 2004
Billy Wages was an "institution" in the funeral business. I met him in the 70's when I worked at Spring Hill. He would transport for us to his crematory in Mableton. His helpfulness in this area of the business made arrangements so much smoother for "our" families. We would see each other often at the departments of Vital Statistics in DeKalb and Fulton Counties. He was always cheerful, upbeat and personable. He was exactly the same, 30 years later, when I had occasion to visit his funeral home last year. Though I do not know you personally, you are in our prayers that you will find God's strength in the coming weeks and months. As someone said earlier in these pages, remember the good times. Focus on the laughter and these dark clouds will slowly lift and disappear. In Christian love,
Patricia Bondor
October 29, 2004
Everytime I see a bowtie I will smile and think of Billy. The world has truly lost a great presence. My prayers go out to the family.
Gord, Cam & Roger of Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel
October 27, 2004
His wisdom, his presence at OGR functions and conventions, his dry but keen sense of humor will be missed.
CHRIS GRUBBS (CHAMBERS & GRUBBS FUNERAL HOMES)
October 27, 2004
I wanted to take a moment to let you know your family continues to be in the thoughts and prayers of many. Although I only met Billy briefly through a couple of O.G.R. conferences & phone calls. He left a lasting impression on me of someone who was committed to funeral service and the families we are privledged to serve. His southern demeanor and sense of humor were both welcoming and entertaining. He will surely be sorely missed by each of us whose lives were fortunate enough to be touched by his.
Joan Gibbs
October 24, 2004
I am saddened to hear of Mr. Wages's passing. I have many fond memories of our talks while I worked at the AJC and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at their time of sorrow.
George & Carla Henderson
October 23, 2004
Dear Melba and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We recently met at a conference in San Antonio. We so enjoyed and appreciated Billy's humor and friendlyness. The two of you made us feel very welcome to our first OGR function and we thank you.
Larry & Carol Bishop
October 22, 2004
Melba - OGR trips will never be the same without Billy. He was one of the highlights of every trip and we will miss him and his laugh more than I can say.
Anita Bauer
October 20, 2004
Dear Melba and Family,
When I first heard about Billy I immediately thought that a light had gone out in Georgia. But I know that his memory, good works, love of family and so many other wonderful things will keep that light burning for years to come. I am proud to have known him, and will always remember his passion for those he loved and the work he cherished. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lauren Sacramento
October 20, 2004
WOW- I can't even explain how hard Billy's death is for everyone. It's very hard to deal and cope with and it seems like it will take forever to get over this cituation, but Billy wouldn't want us moping around like this - he would want us happy. Now I have another Gaurdian angel to go along with my greatly missed friend Ammon Cedric Craine(7/22/86-5/21/04. I remember when i would go to work with my dad and Billy would give me the BEST hugs ever- he would squeez me so tight, and i could feel the love. I know my family misses him , especially my dad. My dad and Billy were very close. I know that those many years my dad worked for him was practically the best years of his life. With this I leave -The Twenty-Third Psalm- ... Thank you Billy for making my dad and my family smile! we love and miss you so much. The Wage's family will continulously be in our prayers.
Guy Linnemann
October 20, 2004
Dear Melba and Family,
Marsha and I were grief stricken when we received the news of Billy's sudden death. Two years ago he contacted me from Stone Mountain to ask if I would run for the Board at OGR. Not knowing Billy I was immediately endeared to his very Southern sounding and caring voice. Getting to know Billy over these two years has been so much fun. Our visit to your hometown last Fall has been one of our great highlights and cherished memories. Billy had the capacity to lead. He was a visionary. What we will always remember is his intelligence and quick wit!
We love you and we'll keep you in our prayers. Keep coming around Melba - we want to see you. Remember if you need an escape, call 859-727-1250 and we'll take care of you.
All our love, Guy and Marsha Linnemann
Sandra & Bill Dobbs
October 19, 2004
To the Family of Bill Wages,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Wages was a blessing to our family when our loved ones passed (mother and brother).
Katie Dreste
October 19, 2004
Melba & Family,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Billy. He was one of a kind, and will be missed terribly. I feel privileged to have known Billy for the last 4 years, he was a great asset to OGR & the rest of the funeral industry.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Dressel
October 19, 2004
Dear Wages Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this time. Billy will be greatly missed by all of us.
Cathie Tattrie
October 18, 2004
Melba and family, I can not tell you how sad I was to hear about Billy. I am relatively new to the OGR family, but I met Billy, and you Melba, at my first OGR Conference in San Antonio. I was a little over 7 months pregnant. You both were so kind. I am so happy I was able to be in Lake Tahoe and share that time with Billy. YOur family was wonderful. Billy always went out of his way to make me (and I am sure everyone else) feel welcome. What a loss for everyone who knew him. He will be sincerely missed even by those of us who only knew him a short time.
Barbara Poole
October 18, 2004
Billy was a true friend and champion of the small funeral home. We are truly going to miss his assets and knowledge. He was a great OGR president and past president. My deepest sympathies to Ms. Wages and the children and their families. Always remember what Billy stood for and taught you during his lifetime. Sincere sympathies.
Barbara P. Poole
L. Harold Poole Funeral Service
Knightdale, NC
David H. Twiford --Twiford Funeral Homes
October 18, 2004
I'm truely sadden by Billy's death. I had only met him at OGR conventions, but knew him through others. He was a true statesman for funeral service and will be missed.
Ronald Hast
October 18, 2004
The personality and good works of Mr. Wages is well known throughout the funeral service community in the United States. He is a fine example of those who are truly dedicated to this service. My sincere condolences. Ron Hast - publisher of Mortuary Management & Funeral Monitor / National.
John Huff, Murphy Funeral Home
October 18, 2004
We were saddened to hear of the loss of Billy K. Wages, particularly so soon after his energetic and successful year as our O.G.R. Pesident. He contributed a tremendous amount of energy and expertise in a warm and gracious manner to the benefit of our whole profession and O.G.R. in particular.
George Darte
October 17, 2004
Dear Melba and all the Family,
We were truly saddened at the death of our dear friend Billy. He had the capacity to brighten up a room or a hall. We never knew what he was going to say or do. He sure had an impact on funeral service (especailly his love, OGR). The man did not know the word shy, when it came to himself-everyone was his friend or someone he didn't know who would become his friend.
Billy had so much pride for OGR, his state association, his funeral home, his profession but most of all, his family. Billy will be one of those people who shall remain forever in our thoughts and prayers as well as his family.
We are better off for knowing and sharing some of our time with our good friend Billy Wages!!!
With love and admiration,
Heather Combe and George Darte
Bob & Terri Phifer
October 16, 2004
Dear Wages family,
It is with deep sorrow that we heard of Billy's death. He was a true funeral professional . . . an inovator and an inspiration to the profession. Our thoughts are with you now and in the future.
Sincerely
Bob and Terri Phifer
Cochran Mortuary & Crematory
Wichita, KS
Jay and Mary Steele
October 16, 2004
To the Wages Family: We were honored to know Billy through OGR. He will truly be missed by all. We really enjoyed visiting with him in Washington DC this spring and in Atlanta last fall. He is truly the definition of funeral director. May God Bless you all in your time of grief and know that we are all thinking of you and praying for you during this time.
Wilson Toothman
October 16, 2004
Although I never met Billy I could tell from watching the OGR video that he was a man of integrity and the type of person who should be representing our profession as a leader. I am sure he will be greatly missed by his family as well as OGR and the funeral service community in general.
Maureen Hayes
October 15, 2004
Melba & Family,
I'm very saddened to hear of Billy's death. Billy will be truly missed. He was a very kind and wonderful person that had a great sense of humor. I feel very honored and blessed to have known Billy for the last 9 years, he was a true asset to the funeral profession.
Kevin and Lisa Opsahl
October 15, 2004
To the Wages' Family:
My wife and I wish to extend our sympathy to all of you in your loss. We first met Billy in St. Louis, MO at our first OGR Regional. That camara and smile just went together. We will miss him greatly at all our OGR events. Our loss just made Heaven a whole lot better! To Jeff and Billy, Jr., may God bless and console you.
Steve & Myrna Gordon
October 15, 2004
Melba and family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family at the passing of Billy. I had the priviledge of serving as a regional chairperson while Billy was president of OGR. He was always considerate, kind, funny, and personable. It was an honor to know him and realize what he contributed to funeral service. You have been, and will continue to be, in our thoughts and prayers.
Todd Phifer (Cochran Mortuary)
October 15, 2004
I have had the opportunity on frequent occasions to visit with Mr. Wages. Funeral Service lost a wonderful, caring person. He will be sorely missed. Our condolences to the Wages family and staff.
Sincerely,
The Cochran Family and Staff
W. Robert & Terri Cochran Phifer
Todd A. & Brandi Phifer
Margie Menke
October 15, 2004
Billy, you are a wonderful person who brought smiles to all. You will be sadly missed.
Melba and Family, you have lost a great man and my thoughts and prayers and with you all.
Hank Adair
October 15, 2004
Melba and family,
I was terribly sorry to hear of Billy's untimely death. I am glad though to have had the opportunity to have been with you both in Cuba, We all had a great time, and also for his installation in Reno. He will be truly missed in the Funeral industry. Take care and I will keep you in my prayers. Hank
Glenn and Camilla Taylor
October 15, 2004
Dear Melba,
You and Billy have represented everything good about funeral service; a love of your fellow man, a love of life, a love of family, and a devotion to each. Camilla and I have commented that we don't recall having seen Billy when he wasn't smiling. Our fondest memory of him will always be that huge smile while riding in a tuk-tuk in Malaysia. We will join countless others in missing him.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you negotiate one of life's most difficult transistions.
Ray LaFramboise
October 15, 2004
Funeral Service has lost one of the great Funeral Directors and embalmers of our day. His passion for, and his dedication to Funeral Service will be greatly missed, Our sympathy to all of the family from all of us at The embalmers Supply Company.
R. Shawn Beck President
Ray LaFramboise
ESCO
Tom and Janice Stradling
October 15, 2004
Dear Melba and Family, Our most heartfelt sympathy is with you and all of your family and extended family. We have been blessed to have had Billy cross our path in life and we know he will be greatly missed by you and his family, business contacts and all the lives that he has touched over the years. God bless you during this most difficult time in your life.
Thomas Lynch
October 15, 2004
Billy Wages was a funeral directors' funeral director. His work with the Order of the Golden Rule, his leadership, his deep sense of duty to his profession as well as to the families he served was evident. His many kindnesses to me, during his tenure with OGR, were greatly appreciated. He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed. May God bless his family and keep his memory eternal.
Charles Castiglia
October 15, 2004
I have been a member of OGR for only a couple of years. Billy always treated me with warmth and inclusiveness. He has been an inspiration to me to become the best funeral director I can possibly be.
Steve and Ann McDonald
October 15, 2004
Dear Melba and family,
We were very saddened to here of Billy's death. He was a great man and friend. I enjoyed working with him on IOGR committees. He was always a fountain of knowledge and information. We have all lost a valuable mentor and great friend!
Melba, we are praying for you and your family at this time. Steve and Ann McDonald
Charles Rader
October 15, 2004
My wife and I met Mr. Wages at the annual meeting this past year. He was definitely one of a kind. We are so sorry for your loss. To Jeffrey and Bill, Jr. and the rest of your family you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Eric Austin
October 15, 2004
Dear Mrs. Wages & Family,
I had the pleasure and privledge of meeting and speaking with Mr. Wages last year in Las Vegas at the NFDA convention. I immediately felt at ease with Billy. I am a funeral director/Owner of a 75 call business in rural Southern Indiana, but he made me feel as important as anyone else. He is responsible for my increased participation in OGR events.
Please accept my sincere sympathy on behalf of my family and myself. Funeral Service has truly lost a champion of our great profession.
Marty White
October 15, 2004
To the family of Billy K. Wages, Sr.
I will have to truely say Stone Mountain has lost a legend and a legacy in the funeral industry as well as the community. I met Mr. Wages in 1996 as a student at Gupton-Jones College. He was a true funeral professional who loved to serve people. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Please know that the Wages family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Janet Protzel
October 15, 2004
A finer man never walked this Earth. Billy was larger than life and because of this exceptional quality his memory will always be with every one who knew and loved him. I count myself lucky to have known Billy Wages - a very good man.
William & Janice Moon
October 15, 2004
WE CAN'T EXPRESS THE SADNESS WE FEEL FOR THE PASSING OF OUR FRIEND BILL WAGES - HE WAS ALWAYS WITH US WHEN WE LOST OUR LOVE ONES. WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT A CARING PERSON HE WAS HELPING US DO WHAT EVER WAS NEEDED. HE ALWAYS KNEW HOW TO MAKE IT A LITTLE EASIER WITH EVERYTHING. WE LOVE YOU ALL AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU.
WILLIAM & JANICE MOON and FAMILY- Loganville, Ga.
Lauren Wages
October 15, 2004
My gramps was one of the greatest men i have ever met.... He did so much for his family and community i cant even begin to explain how much we will be missed. I love you Gramps
JOSEPH & HELEN HUNTER HANSON
October 15, 2004
MELBA AND THE FAMILY OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME. YOU HAVE OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY.
Harrison Kohler
October 14, 2004
As executor of the estate of a friend, I asked Wages and Sons to cremate the body of my friend and give the ashes to her sons. No one at the Wages and Sons put any pressure on me to make more expensive arrangements, and I was treated courteously and respectfully. As a result of that experience, my wife and I later asked Wages and Sons to handle the funeral arrangements of her parents. I always dealt with staff of Wages and Sons and did not personally know Billy Wages. However, I cannot help but believe that our good treatment was a reflection of Billy Wages' character. I was sorry to read of his death.
Patti Mitchell
October 14, 2004
I met Billy when I worked for OGR and he was elected onto the board of directors, it's been quite a few years ago, and I still remember him as one of the kindest, sweetest and funniest people I've ever met, I think I loved him the minute I met him. I am very sorry for your loss.
KERMIT COKER
October 14, 2004
sorry I couldn't be there with you, my thought's are with you.
Francine Kohler
October 14, 2004
To the family of Billy Wages I extend my heartfelt condolences.
We used Wages and Sons when my father Frank Marchio died in Dec 2003 and again this past June when my mother Estelle Marchio died. On both occasions we were treated courteously, respectfully and professionally.
I never met Billy, but I am sure that he was a wonderful person, as his character is reflected in his business, Wages and Sons.
As one who has recently lost 2 important loved ones, my heart goes out to the Wages Family at this time of loss.
Dee & James Jameson
October 14, 2004
Billy will be truly missed. He was a real friend to everyone he came in contact with. He provided the tender loving care to many, many families in their time of need. God bless him and his family
Gloria , Bobby & Scott Webb
October 14, 2004
Our prayers are with you. Billy was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.
REV. ALFRED CROWLEY
October 13, 2004
MYPRAYER ARE WITH YOU!
Sherry Denney-Eidson
October 13, 2004
Wages family, please know what an awesome man Billy Wages was. He touched my life as a young child when I lost my Dad. We left Stone Mtn a few years later and he never failed to call me to let me know when our friends and neighbors had passed. I will always remember his kindness and concern. Remember the good times and be thankful for such a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Not everyone had one. But you were blessed. You are in my prayers
Shannon Young
October 13, 2004
I got to know Mr. Wages through my father who worked with Billy a short time at Couch and Mundy funeral home. Mr. Wages was so very kind to me, my brother, and my mother when my father passed away several years ago. He helped us all in so many ways during that terrible time. He was truly a good soul and will be missed greatly!
Lonnie Carter
October 13, 2004
All of you are in our thoughts at this time of your lives. Billy was always very jovial around me and I enjoyed his company. Sorry I can't come by to see you due to being busy here. Lonnie Carter, Carter Funeral Home, Winder, Georgia.
W R Stone
October 13, 2004
I have known Bill a few years but many more of his friends and they all said thre same thing " He is a great guy" I know what he did for a friend of mine that was a POW in Korea for 30 months---I won't forget!
Thanks Bill
Stone
Wayne Juhan
October 13, 2004
Billy Jr. and family,
Our deepest sympathy for you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wayne, Rhonda, Amanda and Junior, and Justin Juhan
Theron & Kathleen Samples
October 13, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Gayle Zeola
October 13, 2004
Belinda, Mitchell & Jeremy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this tragic time.
Love,
Gayle & John Zeola
Beverly Marable Hutson
October 13, 2004
Bill Wages has been a friend of the Marable family a long time . We had the pleasure of using Wages & Sons three times .And every time the treated you like you was family. I had the pleasure of knowing Bill along time . And he will be miss. My prayers are with the family .
Cedric Hill
October 13, 2004
To the Wages family. I'm sorry for your loss and that I cannot be with you at the Funeral Service. My and my family's prayers are with you. Billy was indeed a great asset to the Funeral Service Profession .
Cedric Hill
President
Academy of Graduate Embalmers of Georgia ,Inc.
Carla Henderson
October 13, 2004
My love and prayers go to the Wages family.
Sonja & Harold Bowman
October 13, 2004
Billy was indeed a wonderful person
and always had a smile. I have known him for over 45 years when he drove
the ambulance and if he had not rushed me to the hospital, I would not be alive today. We loved him
like he was family and he will be greatly missed. The angels in heaven must be singing though for he
is truly in heaven now.
Joey Brown
October 13, 2004
To the Wages Family, Mr. Wages has been a great influence on my life. I first meet Mr. Wages at the age of seventeen while working for Billy Nash over twenty years ago. I loved him from the first time we meet. I never have known a more giving man. He was a friend to all. He was busy always but took time to find out how you were doing personally. Sometime to a point it was hard to discuss business. I loved this in him. I will miss him so. My love and prayers go out to you the family. If I may help in any way I am there.
Rena [Day ] Piatt
October 13, 2004
It's hard to say goodbye to such a dear person.My father was the first person he handled when he began his career[1959]so we have come a long way together and he never changed his wonderful smile and good humor.He somehow knew when you were in your time of grief that a hug or a hand on your shoulder would help so very much.When my dear friend passed away and I went to do her hair[I was a hairdresser]he stayed with me and made me stay until she was put in a room,because he knew I would be at peace with this.He also took care of my mom and my second dad and aunts,uncles,grand parents.In fact he was always there for us. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you.
CATHI ASHE/LAUDER
October 13, 2004
I HAVE KNOWN MR. BILLY AND HIS FAMILY FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. HE HAS HELPED MY FAMILY DEAL WITH A LOT OF GRIEF AND SORROW, AND TO SEE THE RAINBOW ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PAIN.
THE ENTIRE WAGES FAMILY WILL BE IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS, MAY THE LOVE AND PEACE THAT HE GAVE SO MANY PEOPLE IN THEIR TIME OF NEED COME BACK TO COMFORT ALL OF YOU.
WITH LOVE AND GRATITUDE,
THE ASHE FAMILY OF STONE MOUNTAIN
David Warren
October 13, 2004
As a teenager, I worked at Couch-Mundy Funeral Home in Stone Mountain for several years while attending a local college in the early 1970s. There I met Billy Wages. His thoughts and advice regarding career choices had a major impact on my professional career which helped me achieve the success I have today. For that I am forever grateful to Billy. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Billy’s family, many of which I have known for years and watch grow up. I will miss you Billy.
Allen Kuklinski and Lisa Remshik
October 13, 2004
Our prayers are with each & every member of the Wages family. Mr. Wages ("Gramps") will forever be a very special part of our lives.
Brad & Robyn Anderson
October 13, 2004
Billy Wages has made a true impact on this community and will be missed by many. I have just had the opportunity to get to know Billy over the last year through his business. It was a pleasure to get to know him. Robyn & I will be praying for the Melba and the family during this difficult time. May God's presents be felt in your hearts and lives.
Scott,Amy,Blake & Tyler Magnus
October 13, 2004
It has been a great pleasure knowing the Wages family and to grow up with some of them. We wish God to Bless them at this time and to help comfort them as they know he rest in a better place now. He brought so many home and he is now priviledged to join them. God Bless the entire Wages Family!
Chery Miller
October 13, 2004
Hay Jeff
sorry I could not make it buy to see you my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
your friend Cheryl Miller
Rebecca Wages East
October 12, 2004
I am sure going to miss you Gramps. I'll see you in Heaven one day, I love you, My prayers are with you nana.
(Grand daughter)
James Rawlins
October 12, 2004
Our prayers go out to the family of Bill Wages. He was always cheerfull and helped my family on several occasions with dignity and
warmth. Thanks from my brother and sisters as well as the Rawlins and George families. Jim Rawlins
Bud Bragg
October 12, 2004
"And they shall be called Oaks of Righteousness..." A fine gentleman; may the comfort he gave so many, now console his family.
Adam Hart
October 12, 2004
It was a sure honor to be able to work for Billy during my time in Mortuary School. He was a true example of what a funeral director and leader should be. It was truly heartbreaking to hear of his death. My love and prayers go to Mrs. Melba, Jeffrey, Bill Jr, Belinda, Sheila, Andy and the rest of the family. God Bless.
Jo Brown Compton
October 12, 2004
Sincere Sympathy to the family.
Willis & Betty Attaway
October 12, 2004
We have lost a treasure. Billy Wages was such a wonderful caring person. He was loved by everyone who knew him. We will miss him so much. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Beede, Dawn (Wages), and Kendyl Stone
October 12, 2004
Our deepest sympathies go out to Melba, the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of Uncle Billy. I have such great appreciation to all of you for opening your hearts to me and my family when Daddy passed away. We all had a very rough period, with Grandmother passing too, and given my part in the family history, you all opened your hearts to us without hesitation. I felt such unconditional love from Uncle Billy at that time, as well as all of you, and I will never be able to express the gratitude I have for that. I know that Uncle Billy will be missed very much by you all, as well as the communities that he served for much of his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
Sherrie Flanigan-Houston
October 12, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with the Wages' family. Thank you Billy for setting an outstanding example to my "little bother" I am very proud of what he has become today. Thank you for your leadership and direction during his training. Your smile and humor will be missed dearly.
Mickey and Dale Butcher
October 12, 2004
We were deeply saddened to hear of Billy's death. He was one of the kindest and most compassionate people we have known, and so helpful to families during their time of loss. We personally experienced his great love, concern and support, when I lost my sister in CT., and wanted her Memorial at Corpus Christi to be as beautiful as she was. We have also seen his caring, and ministry to many Corpus Christi families during their time of grief. That coupled with his wonderful sense of humor helped many overcome what seemed to be unsurmountable pain. Though he has gone to a better place, he will be remembered and loved by those whose lives he has touched with his big heart.
Our prayers are with his family at this time.
Robert Hunsaker
October 12, 2004
My deepest sympathy goes out to Melba, Jeffrey, and the family. Billy was a great ambassador in everything he did. There was never a time that Billy did not make me or those around me feel that we were important. My memories of Billy are ones that I will cherish.
Martin Gaither
October 12, 2004
Last January, while attending the mid-winter conference of SCFDA in Columbia, one of the vendors had attended the Georgia conference a few days earlier. Billy Wages had made a keynote address at that meeting and my friend explained the positive impact that Billy's remarks had on his fellow funeral directors. Whether making a talk, conducting a funeral, or leading OGR, Billy Wages undergirded everything he did with authentic passion. I'm saddened by his loss and extend my thoughts and prayers to his family, especially my friends and former "scholars" Jeff and Hank. May God Bless You All. J. Martin Gaither, ESCO/Gold Crest/Porti-Boy
Chuck, Jennifer, and Drake Dalton
October 12, 2004
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Mark & Pat Soltys
October 12, 2004
Sincere Sympathy to the family.
Melanie Ford Atchley
October 12, 2004
I would like to express my deepest heart-felt sympathy to your family. Bill has been a life-long friend as well as feeling like a family member to my entire family. We all greatly appreciate his services to all my past family members. He will be surely missed.This is on behalf of the Franklin/Ford family members of Stone Mountain.
Wanda Burney McHann
October 12, 2004
Our family was richer for having known Bill He was a true friend and treated all as if you were family I will always remember him for his humor and kindness Bill was a friend of the Burney family for many years and will be missed by all if us My prayers are with you his family and his co-workers May God bless and comfort you all
Wanda Burney McHann
Glenn Lyle
October 12, 2004
Billy was to many, a man of many talents. His kind, loving nature echoed a wealth of wisdom to so many who knew him. Billy, you will truely be missed and our thoughts and prayers go our to your family and friends who were so close to you. Thanks for being such a great friend and mentor!
Karen Beck
October 12, 2004
My heart is very heavy at the loss of such a wonderful man. My prayers are with him and his family during this very difficult time. He helped me during a very difficult time in my life, personally,and has been there for my "ex" husbands family for many years to help with the loss of our loved ones. We will miss him greatly. God needed him more than we did I guess. He has another very special angel to watch over us.
Louis Camp&Family
October 12, 2004
You will be missed,our prayers are with the family at this time.
LOUIS AND FAMILY
CAMP
Gary White
October 12, 2004
A finer example of generosity, community service, and friendship cannot be found to outdo Billy Wages. It was a pleasure to be around him, listen to his witticisms, and his plain talk intelligence. My deepest sympathy to the whole Wages family.
Carole Reese Taylor
October 12, 2004
What a pleasure to have known Mr. Wages. It is a great loss to the community. He surely will be missed. Love and blessings to the family.
Gregory Kenny, C.M.F.
October 12, 2004
I was deeply saddened when I heard of Billy's death. Billy and Jeff were the first Funeral Directors I met when I came to Stone Mountain as pastor of Corpus Christi Catholic Church 12 years ago. Billy, however, was much more to me than that. He was a good friend, a kind and loving man, a man with a great sense of humor, as well a man of temendous compassion. I cannot count the times Billy has gone out of his way to help people and the help he has been to our church in the inevitable problems that accompany a death. Our Corpus Christi Faith Community will be lifting Billy and all the family up in prayer this Sunday. My heart and prayers and love go out to all the family.
Father Greg Kenny, C.M.F.
Newana & Bobby, Robin Dunn
October 12, 2004
Our Deepest sympathy. Your family will be in our prayers.
Dawn Childress
October 12, 2004
May God comfort you today and during the days ahead. Our greatest sympathy to you Melba and to your family.
Sincerely,
Bob & Dawn Childress
Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes
Kingsport, TN
Debra Drake
October 12, 2004
Dear Melissa & Tieg, With deepest sympathy on the loss of your Grandfather.
Debra Drake (mother of Jennifer Dalton)
Mindy Petree-Nelson
October 12, 2004
I have such wonderful memories of Mr. Wages. I was a police officer in St Mtn. for many years and it was always such a pleasure to see him. He always had a smile for everyone he met and could make the sad things in life acceptable. God Bless him and his family
Helen & Doug Morgan
October 12, 2004
BILL WAS LOVED & WILL BE MISSED BY MANY.
Phillip Meeks
October 12, 2004
A kind and funny guy. It was an honor to call him friend for over thirty years. My deepest sympathy to the family. And to his sons do as you have been taught.
Bob Morris
October 12, 2004
He knew and served his community well. His sage advice was always welcome when I held political office.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
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