Deceased Members–2002

In Memory of Russell L. Wagner

Russell L. (Rusty) Wagner passed away July 13, 2002 at age 86. "Rusty," as he was known to friends and family, graduated from the University of Iowa at Iowa City, earning BS and MS degrees. After graduation, he joined the actuarial department of The National Life & Accident Insurance Company, Nashville, Tenn. He rose to positions of senior vice president and chief actuary, president, and then to chairman & CEO of NLT Corp., National Life's parent company, from which he retired in 1981.

He attained status as FSA in 1947 and as MAAA in 1965. He was vice president of the Southeastern Actuaries Club from 1952 to 1953 and its president from 1953 to 1954. He also served as president of the Home Office Life Underwriters Association.

During his tenure as chairman of NLT and subsequent to his retirement, he served on the boards of McDermott International, Commerce Union Bank, The Kroger Company and Beatrice Foods.

Rusty was predeceased by his only son, Benjamin Osler Wagner. He is survived by his daughter, Vicki Wagner Ward of Garland, Tex., and his wife, Ruth Wagner of Vero Beach, Fla.