SAVAGE - Bill Savage, 56, was called to his Heavenly Home early Monday morning, October 3, 2011, ending his journey in this earthly life, the past five years of which he lived with cancer. It was important to Bill for all to know that he saw this past five years of living with a cancer diagnosis “not as adversity, but as a Divine appointment.” He did truly fight the good fight and he has kept the faith.
James William “Bill” Savage, Jr. was born November 15, 1954 in Columbus, GA, one of three children born to James William and Julia Adcock Savage.
After graduating from Columbus State College with a degree in marine biology, he bought a sailboat and sailed to Florida were he met Brenda Sanderson who would become his wife. Bill sailed from port to port and worked at various port venues as a singer and guitar player.
On November 5, 1980 he and Brenda married and would soon move from the boat to start a family. In 1995 Bill and Brenda moved their family to Fernandina Beach, FL from Jacksonville, FL. As a master marble and granite fabricator, he and his family operate Savage Stone in Fernandina Beach.
Bill was a man of many talents and skills. He was an accomplished musician and played several instruments. He was a pilot, capable of flying multi-engine aircraft. He was a certified marine mechanic and scuba instructor. The list could go on.
One of Bill’s passions was serving his Lord in music ministry. He was active with the music ministry of the The Bridge Family Worship Center in Yulee, FL. Bill was passionate about his family. He was a devoted husband and a loving, if not doting, father and a faithful friend to many. Another one of Bill’s passions was teaching young people music. Bill volunteered at the Lighthouse 89.3 FM WECC with The Rock Youth Ministry on Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m. Bill lead young people from the age of 13 to 18 in music ministry. He would take youth with a passion for music, beginners to advanced, and teach them first about God’s love, music, and then working as a team. His love and devotion to God and young people were amazing. Even through his battle with cancer he was faithful to his praise team. Bill always put everyone before himself. He truly knew God’s love. Bill was a great warrior for Christ and will continue to be now that he has met his Maker.
Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Brenda Savage of Fernandina Beach, FL; two daughters, Jessica Savage Forbes and her husband, James Forbes, of Fernandina Beach, who are expecting Bill’s first grandchild, and Julia Nichole Savage, also of Fernandina Beach and her fiancé, Brandon Morrison, of Jacksonville, FL; his mother, Julia Savage of Columbus, GA; a brother Thomas Savage, of Columbus; and a sister and brother in law, Jamie and Dennis Fisher, also of Columbus, GA.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Bill Savage will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 8, at The Bridge Family Worship Center, 8503 Landover Dr., Yulee, FL 32097 with Pastor Duane Erickson and Ministers Paul and Vickie Hafer officiating. A reception will follow at The Residence Inn, 2301 Sadler Rd., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 in the conference room.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to be made to The Lighthouse FM 89.3 for The Rock Youth Ministry. The Lighthouse can be contacted at www.thelighthousefm.org or 800-577-9322.