Oren Wagner

Oren Wagner

Oren Harry Wagner 90, died peacefully at home on January 28, 2026. He was born on March 19, 1935, the son of the late Theodore B. Wagner and Lelia Teague Wagner.

Oren was a graduate of NC State University. He received a Batchelor's Degree in chemical engineering with honors in 1957. He also attended M.I.T. in Boston, MA. Oren retired from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in the Research & Development Department after 39 + years of service as a chemical engineer manager. He helped design the tobacco plant in Tobaccoville and traveled in Europe to buy equipment for the new plant. He was a US Army veteran. Along with his wife Betty, Oren attended Home Moravian Church for several years.

Oren loved flowers, especially red roses. He enjoyed growing them and giving them to others to enjoy as much as he did. Oren always gave his lovely wife, Betty roses on all 66 years of marriage, birthdays, Valentine's Days and all other occasions during those years. What a wonderful husband he was and a very generous man that would do anything for anyone, family, friend, or a stranger. Oren also enjoyed woodworking and sharing his crafts. He enjoyed bowling and bowled several years in a league. Oren and his wife Betty spent time traveling most of the U.S. and many of the European countries. They also spent a lot of time traveling from the mountains to Winston-Salem, and the coast where they enjoyed having a house in each place. Oren also traveled a lot with his job and took Betty with him when it was convenient to go.

In addition to his parents, Oren was preceded in death by sisters, Emilyn Wagner and Rachel Wagner; brothers, Frank Wagner and Carl Wagner; niece, Joy Wagner Bailey; and nephew, Ben Wagner. Surviving are his loving wife of 66 years, Betty Brown Wagoner; nephews, David Wagner and wife Susan of Hudson, NC; Frank Wagner, Jr and wife, Angie of Charlotte; and several other nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, Feb 21, 2026, at Obids Baptist Church in West Jefferson, NC with Rev. Mark Harless officiating. The family will receive friends the evening before the service on Friday from 4-6 pm, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. Memorial donations may be made to Obids Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com