Um, I think the problem here is that DL1619 ATL-SAV on Oct 6 actually operated on time (according to Flightaware). It was canceled on 10/7 and 10/8. Perhaps the agent was affirming he was cancelling his trip (due to the hotel closing), not that the flight itself was cancelled.

So this does not appear to be a trip-in-vain situation (since the flight operated on-time). OP was likely entitled to a free change due to a weather waiver, but not a full refund. There was likely confusion when he called to cancel, with the agent probably assuming he would rebook at another time (under the weather waiver rules), while OP assumed he would be getting a refund.