William Ashley "Bill" Sage

William “Bill” Sage, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Collinsville, Oklahoma, on November 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born February 27, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to William Sage and Marion (Stybr) Sage, Bill spent his early years in Chicago. He later headed north to work on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, where he met his true love, Georgia Ann Phillips. They were married on August 15, 1975, in Ketchikan, Alaska. In October 1977 they moved their young family to Laverne, Oklahoma. There Bill began a long career in oil and gas—first on a drilling rig with Unit Corp, then with ANR Pipeline Company, where he took early retirement in 2001 after 18 years of service. He then contracted with them another 10 years.

Bill never took a sick day. He worked hard and always showed up so that those he loved would have more than he had. He carried that same quiet reliability into every role—husband, father, Papa, brother, uncle, and friend.

After retiring, Bill and Georgia spent several years by the scenic White River near Flippin, Arkansas, where he fished often and learned to love the game of golf. In 2011 they moved to Collinsville to be closer to their youngest grandson. For 51 years Bill and Georgia raised a family of which he was deeply proud. He treasured friendships spread across distance and years and spoke fondly of and always had a story to share from the good ol’ days.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Georgia; his children Michelle (John) Watson, Rick Sage, and Mandy Smith; his grandchildren Jordan Watson, Kayla Sage, and Maysen Smith; his sisters Francois Jougounoux, Denise (Glenn) Shuman, and Debby Overcast; numerous nieces and nephews; and his longtime buddy, Mark Smith.

A man of few words but often the life of the party, Bill loved to make people smile and feel included. He will be fondly remembered as the long-standing Trivial Pursuit Champion, Dad Joke Hall of Famer, and Infamous $2 Bill Tipper. In honoring Bill’s wishes, there will be no formal celebration of life. The family simply asks that you share a favorite memory of him—and the next time you’re inclined, tip your server A LOT extra, in his honor.

Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Online condolences to the family can be made at johnsonsperry.com.