Rev. Dr. Ryan Eugene Wagers

Reverend Dr. Ryan Eugene Wagers, 55, of Salisbury, NC passed away Saturday August 28, after a courageous five year battle with stage four colon cancer. Born February 17, 1966, in Wooster, OH, to Rex Wagers of New Port Richey, FL and the late Ruth Falb Wagers. Ryan graduated from Sullivan South High School, Kingsport, TN. He received his Masters in Divinity from Southern Baptist Seminary, Nashville, TN, served his Fellowship at Vanderbilt VA Medical Center, also in Nashville, TN and served as Chief of Chaplain Services at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center, Clarksburg, WV. One of the most selfless and loyal individuals; Reverend Dr. Ryan Wagers passionately served veterans with honor until the very end as chief of chaplains at W. G. Hefner VA Medical Center, in Salisbury. Where he had a host of friends he referred to as his “VA Family”. Those left to cherish his memory in addition to his father are the love of his life April Michele Sams Wagers; bonus sons Logan Montgomery of Denver, CO and Jordan Montomery of Jonesborough, TN; step mother Marilyn Wagers of New Port Richey, FL; brother, Ross Wagers and wife Deanna of Greenville, SC; his father and mother-in-love Charles and Joyce Sams of Kingsport, TN, a number of nieces and nephews and his loyal companion and buddy Scout. Special thank you to Ryan’s home hospice nurses Beverly, Samantha and Sharon. And the many friends along the way that Ryan considered family. To know Ryan was to know a little bit of heaven on earth. He passionately lived his life; finding the positive in any situation. In circumstances such as cancer, where one would think positives were hard to find, Ryan did not. He found blessings every chance he got. And when he couldn’t find one, he chose to be one to someone else instead. He appreciated the opportunity of “another day” and the sunrise that signified it. Known for sending the most elaborate and beautiful flower arrangements to those he loved and appreciated, he also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Ryan was passionate about Colon Cancer Awareness and the difference getting checked early can make. In memory of Ryan and in honor of his courageous battle, please reach out to your own loved ones and talk to them about getting checked before it’s too late. And if you are of age, please don’t wait. It can make all the difference in the world. The family will receive friends from 3-4pm on Friday September 3, at Summersett Funeral Home. A memorial officiated by Rev. Henry Rutledge and Rev. Gary Willeford, both dear friends and Chaplains at the W. G. Hefner VA Medical Center, will immediately follow in the Summersett Memorial Chapel. Those attending are strongly urged to wear a mask. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Wagers family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Rev. Dr. Ryan Eugene Wagers

February 17, 1966 - August 28, 2021