Bill Wage

William Martin (Bill) Wage was born in 1938 in Little Rock, Arkansas, but his life began when he met the love of his life, Dianne, at Central High School in Memphis. Bill and Dianne both attended the University of Memphis, where he was in ROTC and a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. After majoring in Architectural Technology, his early career quickly evolved into owning his own firm, where he designed Methodist Hospital South and Methodist Hospital North. His most recent work includes the sanctuary addition at First United Methodist Church in downtown Memphis and an extensive renovation of multiple spaces at Colonial Park United Methodist Church. Bill specialized in commercial architecture and had a prolific career spanning 65 years.
Bill's greatest love was his family. He adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. He lived for family time and cherished every moment.
Bill's love of music would create a lifetime of directing church choirs and singing in choral groups. His guiding principles were with him daily, and he always said he followed the Lord's breadcrumbs. He loved the church and was dedicated to wherever he attended. He and Dianne are members of Colonial Park United Methodist Church, where he served on the Administrative Board and was a member of the choir.
Bill was a big supporter and fan of the University of Memphis athletics and the Grizzlies. An avid golfer, he was a founding member of Kirkwood National Golf Course in Holly Springs, and for 25 years enjoyed yearly golf trips to the coast with his friends. A talented artist, Bill always enjoyed creating art whether it was an oil painting for a Christmas card or a cartoon sketch.
Bill had a big heart, and the generosity of his time and talent helped countless others along the way and will never be forgotten. His loving and loyal character was evident daily in how he treated his family, friends, and everyone he met.
He will be so deeply missed by the many people who were fortunate enough to know him.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mary Wage. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dianne, his children Laura Simmons (Chuck), Julie Ross (Blake), grandchildren Christine Hilburn(Garret), Mary Owens, Sophie Ross, Graham Ross, one great-grandchild Holly Hilburn, and his brother Robert Wage.
The family requests donations be made to Colonial Park United Methodist Church, an animal rescue group, or charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930.
"Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924."