Eugene Wages

Graveside services to honor the life of Lt. Colonel Eugene Wells Wages, US Army (Ret.), will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 18, 2025 at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC. Military Honors will be rendered by the US Army.   A celebration of life will follow at 11:30 AM at Grace Episcopal Church, 1315 Lyttleton Street, Camden.  A reception will be held in Richardson Hall at the church after the service.  

Gene, husband of Katharine (Kay) Reynolds Wages, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Born in Buffalo Junction, VA, he was the son of the late Lomas Wellington Wages, Jr. and Malloy Morris Smith.  He proudly served in the US Army, completing three tours in Vietnam, and retired after almost 34 years.  He then served as State Director of Veteran Affairs in SC under three governors and in Kansas under two. He ended his career as a consultant for veterans nursing homes.

A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the Army War College, Gene was a Master Army Aviator and Master Parachutist. Among service awards he earned are three Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Medals, numerous air medals (including two for valor), and the Army Accommodation Medal for Valor.

Gene was a recipient of the Order of the Palmetto from Governors Campbell and Beasley, and the Order of the Silver Crescent from Governor Hodges. He was a life member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (former past president), and various other civic organizations.

In addition to his wife, Gene is survived by his children, Michael Wages (Leah) of Jackson, TN, Kevin Thuerwaechter of Lockhart, TX; G.W. Aadnesen of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Katie Chmiel (Paul) of Camden; and Judd Sahr of Cincinnati, OH; 10 grandchildren, Lydia, Piper, Juniper, Zachary, Cayden, Crickette, Lillian, Mila, Josie, and Jessi; and sister, Shelba King of Cary, NC.

Gene was predeceased by his parents and his daughter, Suzanne Wages.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fisher House Foundation, Inc. or the Grace Church Ecuador Youth Mission Trip.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

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