William Bradley Wagner

William Bradley Wagner (Brad) died March 20 in Colorado surrounded by close friends who sat with him and played his favorite music by the Beatles.

Brad was born in Memphis, TN December 30, 1949, spent his childhood in Bryan, TX and moved with his family to Gainesville in 1964. He was a graduate of Gainesville High School and of the University of Florida, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. Brad played on the GHS basketball team and on the freshman basketball team at UF. He earned a law degree from the University of Virginia and practiced law with Fulbright and Jaworski L.L.P. in Houston and Austin, TX. He had a successful career as a litigator in the field of Administrative Law. Following his retirement, he returned to Gainesville, where he reconnected with family as well as numerous friends and thoroughly enjoyed being a local Gator fan. He also had a home in Telluride, CO where he liked spending part of each year.

Brad lived life to its fullest extent. He loved people, dogs, golf, skiing and Gator sports equally and enthusiastically. He had and wore enough hats to open his own haberdashery. They symbolized his dual citizenship as a Texan and a Gator. His homes were always open and full of people who enjoyed his unsurpassed hospitality. He was a wonderful storyteller and had an infectious laugh. As his great niece said, “He was so silly. I will miss him.”

Brad is survived by his sister Gwen Wagner (Gainesville), two nephews, three great nephews, a niece, a great niece, his dog Porche and dear friends too many to count. His beloved parents, William G. and Wilmeth N. Wagner, preceded him in death. A memorial celebration is being planned for April 8 at 3 pm at Haven Hospice (4200 NW 90th Blvd. Gainesville, casual attire). In lieu of flowers, donations in Brad’s honor may be made to Haven Hospice or St. Francis Pet Care, PO Box 358462, Gainesville, FL 32635.