James Harris Bagwell

Harris was born June 23, 1935 in Bartow County, the son of the late Chester Dee Bagwell and Maggie Gaines Bagwell. He was married to his wife Clara for 58 loving years and was a 1952 graduate of Cass High School.

He was retired from the USDA Soil Conservation Service after 35 years and was Co-Owner of Shady Grove Farm. He was a life long member of Bartow Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder, song leader, and was the Church Clerk and Treasurer for 47 years. Harris had a passion for farming, gardening and enjoyed the time spent with his son and grandsons on the family farm. Along with being a member of the church and working on the family farm, he was a member of the Red Carpet Cattlemen’s Association.

Harris always enjoyed supporting his children and grandchildren in all their endeavors. As well as supporting his children, he was also a mentor to many youth in the community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dee and Maggie Bagwell, sister and brother in law, Margaret and Arthur Smith.

Surviving are his wife Clara Smith Bagwell; son, Dean (Lynn) Bagwell; daughters, Clarissa Bagwell, and Wanda (Keith) McPherson. Grandsons, Tyler (Britney) Bagwell, Bentley (Amanda) Bagwell, and Kenneth McPherson. Great-granddaughter McKinley Bagwell all of Bartow County. Several nieces, and nephews also survive.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. at Bartow Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Rydal, with Rev. Mark Rackley officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home, Monday evening from 4:00-8:00 pm.

Serving as pallbearers are Tyler Bagwell, Bentley Bagwell, Kenneth McPherson, Ben Moore, Ray Smith, Allen Smith, Larry Richards and Scott Naugher.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bartow Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Owen funeral home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville is in charge of the arrangements.