April 12, 1932 — October 7, 2024
It is with a sense of celebration for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Cortland Savage, age 92, on October 7, 2024. Cortland was a man of deep faith and unwavering dedication to Jesus Christ, whose passion for serving Him was evident in every aspect of his life.
Born on April 12, 1932, along Route 66 in Shamrock, Texas, to Chester Melvin and Alwyn Imogene (Dysart) Savage, Cortland devoted his life to spreading the love of Christ through music and service. His grandparents had a profound impact on his childhood, instilling in him the values of faith, love, and community. He attended Wayland Baptist College in Plainview, Texas, and furthered his education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. During his college years, he was a member of the Wayland Baptist College International Choir and attended many choir and college reunions.
Cortland served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. After returning home, he continued his education and ministry. He married Peggy Fenn on December 27, 2018, in Roswell, New Mexico. Cortland loved church music and was a bivocational Baptist music minister until he retired in the 1990s. He served many Baptist churches in Texas, including Park Place Baptist in Houston, Central Emmanuel Baptist in Beaumont, First Baptist Sour Lake, and North End Baptist in Port Arthur.
Cortland was a true character in every sense of the word. His baby brother, Keith, nicknamed him “Cortlandish” for his quirky sense of humor and gregarious personality. In seminary, Cortland and five friends formed a “boy band” called the Booger Boys! The Booger Boys dressed in hillbilly attire, told corny jokes, and played silly songs. The band members sang and played guitar, ukulele, wash tub, hand saw, and of course, the jug. The Booger Boys entertained family and friends for many years, and the men always enjoyed keeping in touch with each other.
As Cortland grew older, many would comment on his likeness to Abraham Lincoln. During the 1976 American Bicentennial, Cortland portrayed Abraham Lincoln in community events, complete with beard, tailcoat, and top hat. As a guest speaker in local schools, Cortland would recite the Gettysburg Address and sing patriotic songs. He recorded a patriotic music album at the Oak Ridge Boys Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. Cortland “Abe” Savage was active in Orange County, Texas events and attended the 1992 Republican National Convention in Houston, Texas as Abe Lincoln.
Cortland used the gift of encouragement to correspond with family and friends. He had a unique talent for remembering dates and would mail birthday cards to so many he counted as dear friends and family. He also had a deep love for the old Gospel hymns of the faith, which he cherished and shared with others.
Cortland is survived by his loving wife, Peggy; sons, Jim Savage and Michael Savage, and their wives; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and sister.
A celebration of Cortland’s life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 with visitation from 10:00AM to 11:00AM at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home in Sulphur Springs, followed by a processional and graveside service at 11:30AM at Restlawn Memorial Park in Sulphur Springs.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wayland Baptist University in his memory.
Cortland will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever remain in the music he shared, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely.
