William Earl Wagner

Tarboro – William Earl Wagner passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Monday January 18th 2021, at the age of 72. He was the son of the late Louis Alton and Bessie Lee Wagner.

William graduated from Tarboro High School in 1967 and served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970. He worked as an office manager for Atkinson Wholesale for many years and then at World Cat Boats before retiring in 2014. William could frequently be seen shucking oysters on the weekends at a local seafood restaurant, where he always enjoyed socializing with the patrons. Everyone who knew William knew of his love for golf and watching the Tar Heels.

William was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy W. Dawson and brother Louis Alton Wagner, Jr. He is survived by his loving family, including his wife of 22 years, Carolyn Rose Wagner; son William Earl Wagner, II (Bill) and his wife Lee Ann of Carteret County, stepson Alan Jackson Norris (Jackson) of Greenville; granddaughters Jennifer Gibson and husband Adam, and Morgan Laverdiere and husband Michael; great-grandsons Carter and Dawson Gibson.

William is also survived by his siblings, Walter Wagner of Tarboro, and Lena W. Doughtie and husband Harry of Tarboro and many special nieces and nephews, as well as extended family and friends and his faithful dog Birdie.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 23, 2021 in Greenwood Cemetery, Tarboro with Reverend Nathan Wittman officiating.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of William Earl Wagner to Saint James United Methodist Church, Tarboro, NC.

Arrangements are entrusted to Carlisle Funeral Home, Inc. of Tarboro. Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.carlislefuneralhome.com.

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