Thomas Michael Wagner, Sr.

Thomas Michael Wagner, Sr. (Tommy), age 64, died on September 18, 2017 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. A memorial service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. on September 21, 2017 with Rev. Martin Wagner, Dr. Dix Winston, and Dr. Tim Lovett officiating.  Visitation will be from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Tommy was born on January 26, 1953 in St. Louis, MO.  He moved to Tuscaloosa in 1953 when his father, Bill Wagner, opened Wagner’s Shoes.  He graduated from Tuscaloosa High School in 1971 and The University of Alabama in 1975 with a degree in accounting.  He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Cindy McCracken Wagner.  He is also survived by his sons, Michael Wagner (Mary Beth) of Birmingham, Matt Wagner (Meredith) of Tuscaloosa, Martin Wagner (Hallie) of Birmingham and his grandchildren, Lucy, Bill David, Thomas, Jack, Walter, and William.  He is also survived by his brother, Lloyd Wagner (Debra) of Tuscaloosa, and sister, Melinda Wiggins of Tuscaloosa.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Marian Wagner, and his sister, Cathy Jo Wagner. Tommy was a member and deacon at Calvary Baptist Church where he was an active member of the Wallace Sunday School Class. He was previously a member and deacon at Emmanuel Baptist Church.  He loved his family and was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time on the family’s hunting land in Akron, AL.  Many of his days were spent on Little League and high school ballfields with his three sons and more recently with his grandchildren. During the past 33 months, Tommy strived to “beat cancer by the way he lived.”  He knew that God was in control and had a plan for each one of us. Therefore Tommy claimed Acts 2:25 that says: “Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”  He would say in all honesty that it has been “well with his soul” throughout the entire journey. Following in his father’s footsteps of the family shoe business, Tommy oversaw Wagner’s Team Sports, Wagner’s RunWalk, Wagner’s Shoes for Kids, and The Athlete’s Foot. In 1987 he was named National Children’s Retailer and was recognized in 2005 as Retailer of the Year by the Alabama Retail Association. He received a certification in Pedorthics from Northwestern University in 1994.  Tommy served on the Advisory Board of The Athlete’s Foot and was awarded The President’s Award on three different occasions.  He was an active member of the Tuscaloosa Business Exchange (TBE) and served on their board. Tommy was involved with sports teams at all levels and supported them by providing shoes, uniforms, and equipment.  His impact was recognized by many who honored him at various high school events after his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer.    Honorary pall bearers will be members of Wallace Sunday School Class, members of TBE, and employees of the Wagner’s family of businesses. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Calvary Baptist Church or Hospice of West Alabama.**ATTENTION FLORISTS: Flowers are to be delivered to the church by 11:30 a.m. on 09/21/2017. Thank you**