EDWARD T. SAVAGE
God fearing, hard working, steadfast, intelligent, willing.
He was born to a family of sharecroppers in a lowly home in the fields of Accomac, VA. As a child he and his family canned vegetables and fruit in the spring and summer to have food in the winter. Meat and shoes, with soles, were luxuries not often afforded to Edward and his brothers. These tough beginnings, though, would cultivate the spirit of determination, depth of character, and gentleness of soul that characterized the man that Edward Thomas Savage, Sr. was.
On July 8, 1922, Edward Thomas Savage, Sr. was born to the late Addie Finney Savage and William Timbrook Savage in Accomac, VA. He was the middle child of siblings Wil (predeceased), Samuel (predeceased), Leroy (predeceased), Helen (predeceased), Wilbert, and Frank.
After completing high school at Mary Nottingham Smith, Edward enlisted in the United States Army where he was honorably discharged. He furthered is education at the William Penn Business Institute in Philadelphia, PA. His academic acumen was demonstrated here; as he was valedictorian of his graduating class. Because of his distinguished achievements he received the honor of having his picture hung in the corridors of the Business Institute.
On February 7, 1947 he married the girl of his dreams, Christine Mae Drummond Savage. It was his goal that his wife would be able to stay at home and care for their family; so, he worked as many as 3 jobs (at once) to ensure that they would not only live, but live comfortably. And, they did. Edward catered large family and corporate events for Betty and Bolotin Catering. Further, he retired from Management at the Sears Corporation after 40 years of distinguished service -for which he was recognized by the Sears Corporation as well as superiors and colleagues alike.
Edward was a true intellect. His knowledge was at once broad and deep. He could comment on an array of topics- politics, world affairs, pop-culture, literature, religion, etc. with an insight and accuracy that was paralleled by few. He introduced his family to the literary works of Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Rudyard Kipling, and William Ernest Henley, and more. His love of literature was matched by his love of music. One might find him singing a country western song by Kenny Rogers – The Gambler, the “Negro Anthem” by James Weldon Johnson– Lift Every Voice and Sing, or an old Irish favorite Ol Danny Boy. Family gatherings were enriched because he would enlist all gathered to join him in song.
