Doctor Sager Highway
Decades of work recognized by local, state dignitaries at dedication ceremony
A portion of Kingston Pike fronting First Baptist Concord was renamed in honor of the late Rev. Dr. Doug Sager, church pastor for more than 20 years who died Feb. 24. Attending the dedication and sign unveiling Thursday, July 19, were members of Dr. Sager’s family: from left are widow, Faye Sager; daughter, Cathy Sager; son-in-law, Roger Robinson; granddaughter, Rachel Robinson; and daughter, Traci Robinson. Son, Tim Sager was unable to attend the ceremony. Two prominent road signs mark Dr. Doug Sager Memorial Highway between Belleaire Drive and Federal Boulevard.
Dr. Sager pastored First Baptist Concord for more than 20 years, and thanks to the legislative efforts of state Rep. Jason Zachary (District 14, which includes Farragut), the state highway section fronting the church from Federal Boulevard to Belleaire Drive has been named in his honor: Dr. Doug Sager Memorial Highway.
State and local dignitaries, Dr. Sager’s family, former congregants and many friends gathered Thursday, July 19, to dedicate and unveil the signs that mark the renaming.
“He impacted (thousands) of people throughout the world, and impacted eternity,” said Zachary, who also is a long-time member of First Baptist Concord. “He was not only a preacher and teacher — he was so much more than that.”
Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett praised Dr. Sager’s work, having worked with the former FBC pastor during Burchett’s state legislative days to help pass “some of the toughest laws in our country” regarding sex offenders, among his many contributions.
“He was just an incredible man and influence in our community,” Burchett added. “When he hit the streets of Heaven, I wonder how many people came up to him and thanked him for the impact he had in their lives.”
Upon his death, Dr. Sager had been pastor at Vonore Baptist Church in Monroe County for about four-and-a-half years. During his leadership, attendance increased from around 250 to 600, a mission program began where none previously existed and a $1 million debt was paid.
Burchett also presented Dr. Sager’s widow, Faye, with a Proclamation passed by Knox County Commission, which declared Thursday, July 19, as “Dr. Doug Sager Day” in Knox County — an honor the county already had bestowed on him shortly after his passing Feb. 24.
“But, he deserved two days,” Burchett said.
“He loved his community, but most importantly, he loved the Lord.”
