Lawrence "Larry" Wagger

Lawrence Howard Wagger, 97, died peacefully at home on February 10, 2015. Larry was born in Randleman, North Carolina in 1917. A first-generation American, he attended the University of North Carolina and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He entered the Army as an enlisted soldier, was selected for OCS and was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant. He was stationed outside of London during the War and was proud to say that he attended classes at Oxford during his time in England.



After the War, Larry was passing through Savannah when he met Frances Hirshberg, who would become his wife. Frances says that life with Larry was always an adventure. Indeed, Larry's adventures in the shoe business ranged from traveling salesman to factory owner. Along the way, Larry and Frances lived in Savannah, Atlanta, Boston, St. Louis and abroad. He owned and managed shoe factories in Alicante, Spain and Taiwan. Larry and Frances traveled the world but eventually settled in Savannah for good, where they lived for the past 30-plus years.



Larry's larger than life personality made him the consummate salesman. He was a raconteur of the first order and was always quick with a joke, especially a joke that might not be suitable for a family newspaper. He never met a stranger, but he doted particularly on his two daughters, Susan and Margie.



In retirement, Larry poured his energy into a new avocation'writing. Starting in his eighties, he wrote and published two novels: Death Wore High Heels and The Tontine. Both were murder mysteries that featured his wicked sense of humor set against the jet-setting background of the international fashion world. He was also famous for his witty and often provocative letters to the editor, which frequently appeared in the pages of the Savannah Morning News. His prose reflected his unique manner of speaking. He would approach his topic from a distance, often beginning in media res, but always arriving at his point in elliptical and hilarious fashion.



He was preceded in death by his daughter Susan Karpf, his brother Burton and his sister Betsy.



Larry is survived by Frances, his wife of almost 68 years, his daughter Margie Smith, his son-in-law Michael Karpf, his grandchildren Ben and Suzy Karpf, and his great-grandsons Sammy and Charlie, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins, and the many, many people who lovingly knew him as 'Uncle Larry.'



The funeral service will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at the graveside, Bonaventure Cemetery, conducted by Rabbi Ruven B. Barkan.



In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congregation Agudath Achim ' 9 Lee Boulevard, Savannah, Georgia 31405 or the Savannah Jewish Federation - 5111 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31405-5214 or Hospice Savannah - Post Office Box #13190, Savannah, Georgia 31416-0190.