Douglas MacArthur Savage, affectionately known as Doug, 81, of Doyle, passed away Jan. 25, 2024, at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital, in Nashville.
Douglas MacArthur Savage, known to most as “Doug” was a lifelong resident of the Doyle community. He was born Feb. 27, 1942, to James Alexander Savage II and Sarah Ida Myers.
Doug spent most of his childhood working in a family sawmill and that led to his decision to start Savage Building Center, in 1980. Doug had the strongest of work ethics, rarely missing a day of work only for a special occasion or a UT Football game, until his failing health kept him home within the past month. Anyone who knew Doug would agree the store was his passion.
In the early years, he loved spending time with family and friends on the houseboat. He also loved life on the farm and a good Angus cow, operating Savage & Sons Angus Farm. One of his main getaways was down on the river sharing time with family and watching those grandkids grow. Doug also took pride in having a nice truck - always clean and always a Chevrolet.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, James A., Mack, Tommy, Joe, Eugene; sister, Mary Rogers; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Woodrow Richardson and Myrtle Hammock. Doug was also preceded in death by some of his favorite folks, Uncle Eston Myers and Aunt Roxie.
Doug is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sandra Richardson Savage; children, Tonya Swoape (Scott), Mark Savage (Christina), Bruce Savage (Cortney), Dwight Savage; grandchildren, Logan (Kyla) Swoape, Ethan Swoape, Wade, Emma and Blake Savage, Rylee and Madlyn Savage, Maggie and Ellie Savage; and he was anxious to meet his first great-granddaughter, Ava Lyn Swoape. He is also survived by his sister, Effie McCord and husband John.
Funeral service was 1 p.m., Jan. 29, 2024, at Hunter Funeral Home, with burial in Greenwood Cemetery. Robert Wright and friend of the family Gary Gibson officiated. Music was by Scott and Shirley Acuff, luminary candles and poems by Rylee, Madlyn, and Emma Savage, along with Logan and Kyla Swoape.
Scott Swoape, Logan Swoape, Ethan Swoape, Wade Savage, Blake Savage, and Gary Gibson served as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers were Bill Yott and Glyn Smith.
Memorial donations can be sent to shrinerschildrens.org or White County Public Library.
Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
