Don Bagwell O.D., 80, of Columbus, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Striffler Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907. The family will visit with friends after the service.
Don was born on March 19, 1944, to Helen and Oliver Bagwell in Greenville, Mississippi. He was raised in Gray, Georgia. He was a faithful, dedicated student and President to the Class of 1962 at Jones County High School. He graduated from Georgia Southern College in Statesboro, Georgia, in 1966, with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration Management, and completed his education at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee earning his degree as a Doctor of Optometry. Don spent 40 years practicing Optometry. He was a member of the American Academy of Optometry.
In 1993, Don married the love of his life, Brenda (BJ) Bagwell in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. That same year they moved to Columbus, Georgia and has lived there since. Don was a member of St Luke Church in Columbus, Georgia. He loved God and country, was a patriot who served his country for more than 33 years combined in the Air Force, Army Reserves, and Air Force Reserves. He retired from Martin Army Community Hospital in 2017.
Anyone who knew Don knew how selfless and patient he was. Throughout the years, those that knew Don learned what unconditional love was by watching him live his life. Don was the epitome of living a life of unconditional love, he was patient, and selfless. He was the best at making others laugh by always telling good jokes and funny quips. He was always positive and lived his life to the fullest. Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and man of God. He was always generous, caring, and thoughtful.
Don was adventurous; he enjoyed sailing, flying airplanes, and traveling. He had a passion for classic cars, trains, planes, and tractors. What he truly loved was his family and friends and he cherished the time spent together.
Don is survived by his wife, Brenda Bagwell; his son, Cy Bagwell (Lane) from Dallas, Georgia; his daughter, Ntosha Standard (John) from Tarrytown, Georgia; five grandchildren, Liam Bagwell, Sydney Bagwell, Abigail Genereux, Jesse Standard, and Maggie Standard; as well as his great grandchild, Liam Genereux; several nieces and nephews, and numerous loving sisters and brothers in laws. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Helen Bagwell; and his brother, William Oliver (Billy) Bagwell.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made for the Bagwell family at www.shcolumbus.com
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Luke’s Music Ministry, www.stlukecolumbus.org.
