James Paul “Buddy” Wages, 88, of Alto, passed away Friday, January 5, 2018.
A lifelong resident of Athens, he was a son of the late Robert H. Wages Sr. and Mary Catherine O’Kelley Wages. Buddy was a Veteran of the United States Army, having served in the Korean War. He retired after over 30 years in law enforcement, having worked for Oglethorpe County and Athens-Clarke County, where he was one of the first eight Athens-Clarke County Police Officers. He served as Oglethorpe County Commissioner from 1994 to 1998. Buddy spent a year in the mission field in Rowlesburg, West Virginia with the Mission Service Corporation and he was a member of Central Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sherry Elder Wages; one brother, Robert H. Wages Jr.; one sister, Lena Helen Stewart and son, James LaDon Coile.
Survivors include three children, Danny Paul Wages (Miriam), Gaye Coile Busbin and Gregory Dawson Wages (Holly); one brother, Doyle Lee Wages (Barbara); one sister, Betty Joyce Marcus; four grandchildren, Chris Wages (Kelly), Brian Wages (Amanda), Shawn Busbin and Eric Busbin; five great-grandchildren, Madison Wages, Alexis Wages, Chaselyn Bryant, Devin Bryant and Grayson Wages; one great-great grandchild, Waylon Moore and host of other family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 7, 2018 at 3:00 pm at Lord and Stephens, East. Interment will follow at Athens Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 until 3:00 pm. Pallbearers will be Larry Wages, Lamar Wages, Chris Wages, Brian Wages, Shawn Busbin, Mark Gosnell, Wayne Gabriel and Darrel Wages.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Buddy to the mission fund at the church of your choosing.
Lord and Stephens, East is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com
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