William "Billy" Wagner Jr.

Billy was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and man of unwavering faith. His life was defined by determination, devotion to family, and a lifelong commitment to serving others. Whether at home, in his community, or throughout his distinguished career in public safety, Billy lived with purpose, conviction, and compassion.

An avid outdoorsman, Billy had a lifelong passion for fishing, enjoying the waters of Louisiana, Texas, Florida, and Panama. A licensed fishing captain, he was a founding member of the New Orleans Big Game Fishing Club and a lifetime member of the Southern Yacht Club.

Billy dedicated more than four decades to public safety, serving as a firefighter, Fire Chief, and Emergency Management Director, including 25 years leading emergency management for Monroe County, Florida, encompassing the Florida Keys and mainland Monroe County. He earned national recognition as a pioneer in hurricane preparedness, emergency management, and disaster response.

Among his many contributions, Billy helped develop one of the nation’s earliest regional hurricane evacuation studies and plans, laying the groundwork for modern evacuation planning. As the first local emergency manager to serve on FEMA’s Hurricane Liaison Team, he strengthened coordination between the National Hurricane Center and emergency management agencies nationwide.

A tireless advocate for public safety, Billy testified before Congress and played a key role in preserving critical National Weather Service operations in Florida. His distinguished service earned numerous honors, including the prestigious Neil Frank Award, FEMA Director’s Award, Emergency Management Director of the Year, and other state and national recognitions.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Billy’s greatest legacy was his family, the friendships he cherished, and the countless lives he touched. A respected mentor, trusted colleague, and dedicated public servant, he will be remembered for his wisdom, determination, generosity, and enduring commitment to others.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. William A. Wagner, Sr. and Marie Alma Wagner; his sister, Marie Alice Goodfellow; and his stepdaughter, Teri Hensley.

He is survived by his loving wife, Natalie “Ruthie” Wagner; his children and their spouses, William A. (Cindy) Wagner III, Catherine (LaVan) Bass, Karl (Rachel) Wagner, and Hans (Allison) Wagner; 12 cherished grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Above all, Billy will be remembered for his steadfast faith, unconditional love for his family, dedication to the fire service and emergency management profession, and unwavering desire to help others. His legacy will live on through the generations of family he helped shape, the communities he served, and the many lives made better because of him.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., in the Chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by interment in Metairie Cemetery.

Additionally, a Florida Keys Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held in mid-January 2027, providing an opportunity for family, friends, and colleagues to gather and honor Billy's life and lasting legacy. The exact date, location, and arrangements will be announced once finalized by the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Billy's memory to either of the following organizations: San Pablo Catholic Church, Marathon, Florida or Heyman Hospice Care Rome, Georgia. For hospice contributions, please select “I want to support Hospice fund” when completing your donation.