Paul Allyn Wagner Sr.

Paul Allyn Wagner Sr., 82, of Toney, AL, passed away on June 9, 2026.

Paul was born in Portland, OR, on April 10, 1944, and he was adopted and raised as an only child by Charles and Audrey Wagner. Paul graduated from Russellville (Arkansas) High School in 1962 and from the Virginia Military Institute in 1966. He began his service in the United States Air Force in 1967.

Paul served in the Air Force until 1988. His service included tours in Vietnam (1968–69), Thailand and Okinawa (1970 and 1972), and Germany (1977–80). While serving his country, he was an aircraft commander in the C-123 Provider, T-29 Convair, and KC-135 Stratotanker. During his time in the Air Force, Paul achieved the level of Command Pilot. In addition to the aircraft listed above, he flew the T-37, T-38, and T-39. He also commanded a missile security squadron, served as Laughlin AFB Chief of Air Traffic Control Operations, was Director of all Air Force air traffic control assets in Europe, and was Program Manager for Department of Defense worldwide Flight Information Publication (FLIP) requirements. During his Air Force career, Paul logged over 1,000 combat flight hours and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight, along with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and other honors.

After retiring from the Air Force, Paul worked as a commercial pilot in the U.S. and Europe; served as an airport manager in Missouri and California; and was a contractor supporting the integration of Army unmanned aircraft into the National Airspace System. Paul was an avid private pilot and continued flying long after his Air Force career. In 2021, he received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, recognizing more than 50 years of exemplary aviation experience.

Paul was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Throughout his life, his family was his top priority, and his life reflected his dedication to them. He was proud of his sons and took great joy in watching them grow into men of integrity and build families of their own. He considered the values he instilled in them and their close friendship to be his greatest legacy. In 1995, Paul was reunited with his birth mother and stepfather, Jenne and Thomas Smith, and nine biological siblings. For the last 30 years of his life, Paul enjoyed building relationships with his extended family. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Hazel Green.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Lynn Newton Wagner; two sons, Paul (Ginny) Wagner and Evan (Dena) Wagner; seven grandchildren, Abigail (Lane) Schmidt, Grant, Luke, Piper, Everett, Crimson, and Tykaden; two great-grandchildren, Eden and Ava; six siblings; and brother-in-law Bill (Marlene) Newton of Russellville, Arkansas. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Audrey Wagner; his biological mother and stepfather, Jenne and Thomas Smith; and three biological siblings.

The family is planning a celebration of life at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to Honoring Veteran Legacies ( https://honoringveteranlegacies.org ) or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation 

( https://t2t.org )

Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.