Michael William Wager

On Monday, June 19, 2021, Mike Wager, proud husband and father of three daughters, passed away at age 76. Mike was born in Charleston, SC, on October 16, 1944 to Ralph and Mabel (Stephens) Wager. He received a Bachelor of Arts in experimental psychology from the Florida State University, and both a Master of Education and a Doctorate in psychology from the University of Florida. He practiced clinical psychology with a special emphasis on drug and alcohol addiction for more than 50 years, both in public and private practice in Thomasville and surrounding areas. On August 11, 1973, Mike somehow convinced Cecelia (Cece) Whitaker Wager to marry him. Together, they raised three intelligent, talented, beautiful, and sometimes funny daughters: Kathleen, Caroline and Kristine. Mike was committed to serving others: he was a longtime leader and active member within Kiwanis International, and gave generously to those in need, particularly within his local church community. He served on the Board of Directors of the Ocean Towers Beach Club and was Vice-Chair of the Thomasville Community Transformation, Inc. at the time of his death. Mike had a passion for model trains and could often be found tinkering in his workshop late into the night. For more than 25 years, he spent Friday nights reliving college athlete memories from behind the whistle as a high school football referee. He was also an avid fisherman and an impromptu math equation creator. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Mabel, and his sister Ann. He is survived by his wife Cece; his three children, Kathleen (Chris) Hart, Caroline (Garrett) Gladstone, and Kristine Wager; his grandchildren, Joshua and Emily Hart and Ava Gladstone; his nephew Brian Hopkins; and great-nephew Logan Hopkins. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 9th, 2021 at Victory Fellowship Church on Hwy 19 North in Thomasville GA, at 2 o'clock p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Thomasville Community Transformation, Inc. or Victory Fellowship Church Building Fund.