Mr. Wayne E. Savage

Wayne E. Savage, 65, passed away peacefully on 10/11/19 in the comfort of his home.  His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Wayne had impacted in a meaningful way throughout his life. Though he would eventually pass away from cancer, we doubt the disease had ever met a more formidable and stubborn opponent as Wayne Savage. His fight was an inspiration to all around him including those in their own heroic battles against cancer.

Wayne was born and raised in Gloucester County, VA on August 2, 1954 to Emerson and Mary Savage and was protective brother to his sisters, Marilyn and Michelle. He was a precocious child but even as a young boy would stand up for others when treated unfairly. This would be a repeated trend in his life as he matured. Wayne was among the first Black students to integrate Gloucester High School which came with many challenging experiences. Despite those tribulations, Wayne would decide to stand up for what was right and support others along the way. As he grew up, his athletic build and competitive nature lent itself to a star basketball and softball player for Gloucester High School ensuring of course to keep his perfect afro intact at all times. After a brief stint in basic training with the Army, Wayne would meet, court, and marry the love of his life, Myrita Savage. Wayne would return home to begin a career in construction with Walker and LaBerge. Wayne would work with Walker and Laberge for over 40 years before retiring. Along the way, Wayne would rise up the ranks as a Glazier and become a Foreman mentoring many of the young men to come behind him.

Wayne and Rita would share 44 years of blissful marriage. Their love is an example to all around of commitment and dedication and would act as a compass to generations to come. He would become a father to Sonia Thornton and a grandfather to Shannon Marshall and LaShawn Thornton. He would become a grandfather in law to Timothy Marshall and Angelo Santiful. Of all the titles Wayne held, being “Pop Pop” to his great grandchildren, Davieon Thornton, Angel Thornton, Jordan Marshall, and Giselle Marshall, was one of his favorites. Throughout his life he would guide, watch over, and protect his family fiercely. Everyone knew that if you called Pop Pop he would be on the way and know just how to fix whatever was wrong. Wayne enjoyed swimming in the backyard pool ensuring every leaf and speck of dirt was quickly removed to reflect beautiful clear blue water, having annual Fourth of July cookouts where he served as the grill master, making a gorgeous brown Thanksgiving Turkey carved to perfection, and hauling tons of bags on the family trips to the Outer Banks each July. He would enjoy watching the great grandchildren play in their basketball, softball, and soccer games as well as band recitals. Most of all, Wayne enjoyed Sunday Fundays when the family would get together and eat good food and watch football, preferably his favorite Pittsburgh Steelers. Even if the Steelers lost it was okay as long as the Cowboys lost as well.

Wayne’s legacy will be carried on by his mother, Mary Savage; wife, Myrita Savage; sisters, Marilyn Savage-Cooper and Michelle Gilchrist (Walter Gilchrist); Granddaughters, Shannon Marshall (Timothy Marshall) and LaShawn Thornton (Angelo Santiful); Great grandchildren, Davieon Thornton, Angel Thornton, Jordan Marshall, and Giselle Marshall; Niece and Nephew, Alexandria Gilchrist and Gary Cooper; his faithful canine friend, Taco and a host of other family members and dear friends.

The family would like to acknowledge the faithful effort of Dr. George Kannarkat and all of the doctors, nurses, and staff of Riverside Hospital and Riverside Hospice during the illness of our loved one. A private memorial will be held at Wayne's favorite spot on the beach in the Outer Banks at Kitty Hawk, NC.

It is the desire of the Savage family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of the late Mr.Wayne E. Savage has entrusted his final care to the staff at C.C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

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