Wilbert Anthony Savage Sr.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." -Psalm 73:26
Wilbert Anthony Savage passed away on October 11, 2024, after bravely waging a battle with cancer and related health complications, he was sixty-eight years old. Admitted to Norton Hospital on October 2, Anthony spent his final days surrounded by love and prayers amidst a constant flow of family, friends, recovery brothers and more.
Anthony was born June 9, 1956, in Louisville, Kentucky at Red Cross Hospital (the Black hospital), to Betty A. and Wilbert T. Savage. He was the fourth of Betty's seven children (five girls and two boys).
As a boy, Anthony and his younger brother, Tommy, gravitated to a church one door from their home on Greenwood Avenue. He accepted Christ and was baptized at Christian Faith Tabernacle Church by the late Rev. Arnold.
In 1974, Anthony graduated from Shawnee High School in Louisville, Kentucky. After graduation he joined the United States Air Force where he served a year as a Basic Airman, before returning to Louisville.
Anthony worked as an electrician for most of his adult life. After completing his apprenticeship, he continued to work diligently, earning an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Ivy Tech Community College. Anthony was an Electrical Inspector for Jefferson County for over a decade, and one of few African Americans to hold the position. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 369 (IBEW Local 369) from 2009-2016.
After years of struggle with addiction, Anthony entered rehab in January 2004 and never looked back. He celebrated twenty years of sobriety in January 2024. He took recovery seriously and never missed an opportunity to reach out and minister to others; relying on the Bible, the Big Book and personal experience for guidance. He faithfully attended AA meetings several times per week and cofounded a Wednesday morning mediation meeting at St George Episcopal Church. For the last twenty years, Anthony along with the men's support group, held an annual picnic the Sunday before Labor Day at Baxter Park where they fed hundreds of community members for free. Even though he'd only recently been discharged from the hospital he helped organize and attended his last picnic on September 1, 2024.
Anthony rededicated his life to Christ in 2009, joining Hill Street Missionary Baptist Church (HSMBC). At HSMBC he joined the Usher Board and sang with the Brotherhood. Everyone except his mother knows he sang off-key, but Anthony was not shy about singing loud and proud for the Lord.
Towards the end of his journey, in spite of his failing health, he worked at Dismas Charities-St Ann and spent countless hours being of service to others. When asked to rest, he resisted, saying he was doing "God's work" and expressing "unconditional love." He refused to stop until his race was won.
Preceding him in death were his father, Wilbert T. Savage of Baltimore, MD and his brother, Edward T. Savage, of Denver, CO.
Anthony leaves behind his mother, Betty A. Savage, sons, Wilbert A. Savage Jr. (Lamecka)) and William L. Murphy (Malika), and daughter, Chairi Carr. He loved his grandchildren William, Kaden, Nathan, and Ella Savage; and Jasmine Murphy; and Nyah Carr. He is also survived by his five sisters, Linda Federick, Patricia Allison, Teresa Hines (Michael), Candace Sanders and Cassandra Warfield (Andre) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, recovery brothers and friends.
Our son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, advisor and friend will be greatly missed. The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind. While we are mourning the loss of Anthony, others are rejoicing to meet him at the gates of heaven. Rest in peace.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain,
for the old order of things has passed away." -Revelations 21:4
Visitation: Friday, October 25, 2024 from 10:00am-12:00pm at Hill Street Baptist, service to follow at 12:00pm. Burial: Kentucky Veteran Cemetery.
Services will be streamed via YouTube and Facebook at Hill Street Missionary Baptist Church