Obituary of Earl Washington Savage

Earl W. Savage was born December 26, 1921 in Washington, DC, the son of Annie and Fritz Savage, both deceased. He departed this life on June 6, 2020 at the age of ninety eight. Education: Earl received his education in the Baltimore City Public Schools. He attended Carver Vocational Technical High School, #454, to pursue a course in tailoring. While there, he became interested in the art of boxing, assuming the boxing name "Earl Washington," fighting four bouts. Professional Career: 1942-1945, Earl served in the US Navy as Seaman First Class. He was first sent to boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois, then on to Pearl Harbor, during World War II. Upon Honorable Discharge, Earl returned to Carver under the G.I. Bill to complete the course in Tailoring, 1948. Earl taught tailoring at the New York Technical Institute, 1951. He also taught tailoring in Philadelphia, PA and Booker T. Trade School. In 1954, Earl returned to Baltimore and opened his own tailoring and cleaning business, "East Lanval Tailors," at 1900 E. Lanvale Street. He also worked at Charles Center Cleaners, 9 E. Lexington St., until his retirement in 1986. Family: On June 15, 1961, Earl married Blanche Matthews Savage, now deceased. They had three children: Andrea, Philip, both deceased and Diane. Christian Walk: Earl was an active, devoted, and loyal member of St. James Episcopal Church, a historic religious institution. He was a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. He also served as a Chalicist, and Lay Reader. Over the years, he enjoyed church concerts, crab feasts and bull roasts. He also enjoyed dancing and all kinds of music and any event that supported the church in its fund raising endeavors. At 95 years old, Earl celebrated by dancing down the church aisle. Boxing Contributions, Service, Highlights, Awards: A life dedicated to boxing named Earl the "Goodwill Ambassador" for outstanding service to Ring 101. During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the Sick Committee, Chairman of the Boxing Memorabilia Committee and Member of the Board of Directors. 1978 – Veterans Boxers Assn. International Ring 101, Life Member. 1982 – Daughter, Diane was voted First Black Woman – Miss Maryland Boxing Hall of Fame. 1983 – I.V.B.A. Ring 105, Harrisburg, PA, Member 1987 – I.V.B.A. Ring 101, for Oustanding Service for Veteran Boxers 1988-92 – National Veteran Boxers, Ring #93, Treasurer 1993 – Veteran Boxers Assn., International Ring 101, Nick Bass Award 1994 – 2011 – Maryland State Athletic Commission – Inspector for boxing matches hosted at Michael's 8th AV in Glen Burnie, Martin's West in Woodlawn and Duburns Arena in South Baltimore, to name a few. 2006 – Inducted into the Maryland Boxing Hall of Fame. Earl was proceeded in death by his brother, Jesse W. Savage, and a granddaughter, Renee Leslie at 5 years old. Earl leaves to cherish his memory: his daughter, Diane Savage; two sons-in-law, Martinez Q. Davenport, Sr. and Sharon Nock; granddaughter, Amber Savage; two great grandchildren, Anaia and Erich Lewis; additional loving nieces, nephews and grandchildren include: Charlene Watkins, Brenda, Sharon and daughter Alicia, Warren, Theresa and daughter Briana, Michelle and son Kevin, Casimira Robinson; very dear and special friends: Spencer Key, Russell Dandridge and Calvin Anderson.