William Joseph Bagley Sr.

William “Bill” “Bagman” Joseph Bagley, Sr., age 82 passed away Thursday, July 1, 2021 peacefully at his home in Abita Springs surrounded by his entire family whom he was so proud of and loved and admired dearly. He was born on August 18, 1938 in New Orleans, LA to Gerald G. and Mary Mable (Loupe) Bagley.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Marlene Ferina Bagley; his children William Joseph Bagley, Jr. (Anne), Christine Bagley Brignac (Capt. Bryan), Captain Brian Julius Bagley (Darnell), Dr. Beau Jerrold Bagley (Monica); 13 grandchildren Ashleigh Bagley, Kimberley Carrero, Chelsie Brignac Soler (Alfredo), Captain Brandon Bagley (Jade), Courtney Bagley Hudspeth (Chris), Megan Marlene Bagley-Rivolo (Dominick), Jolie Brignac, William Bagley III, Captain Byron Bagley, Emily Bagley Smith (Josh), Harrison Bagley, Gabriel Bagley, Francis Bagley, and 17 great grandchildren Isabella “Izzy” Smith, Camila Soler, Briana Rivolo, Brayden Bagley, Jax Hudspeth, Presley Bagley, Lucas Soler, Harper Hudspeth, Emma Bagley, Tenley Bagley, Riley “Sweetheart” Rivolo, Celeste Bagley, Abram Smith, Kris Rivolo, Landry Bagley, Anthony Rivolo, and Everleigh Hudspeth as well as many cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Gerald G. Bagley and Mary Mable Bagley (Loupe), his in-laws Julius C. Ferina and Marguerite Raftery Ferina, his brother Gerald C. Bagley, sister in law Joycelynn Bagley, and his grandson Julius Rene Bagley.

Bill grew up in New Orleans where his father was an NOFD Captain and his mother a seamstress at The Penant Shop. He attended Capto Grammar School and graduated from Holy Cross High School. He was well known for his incredible work ethic which began at a very young age with his first job delivering ice. In high school, he worked at The Orpheum Theatre as an usher where he met the love of his life, Marlene. Bill was quite the athlete being featured in The Times Picayune several times throughout the years playing football for Holy Cross. He attended Louisiana State University where he was a member of ATO fraternity while working at Higgins Flooring in the summertime. He came home to court his future bride and began working for American Standard. In 1959 Bill married Marlene and started his legacy. After working for Public Service for a few years, he took a chance at a career in the insurance business beginning with National Life. Bill was a very busy man but always made sure he had time for family and his many friends. He coached at Johnny Bright Playground for many years, went on to be a Master of the Lodge for his Mason chapter, he was an ordained minister, a Shriner’s Clown, a member of Pete Fountain Marching Club, and The Italian-American Society. Shortly thereafter, Bill became an agent for State Farm. Bill loved business and family, so in 1971 he purchased Hidden Paradise in Abita Springs. Hidden Paradise was where many memories were made hosting picnics for everyone from Tenaco Refinary to church groups and family gatherings. While building his successful agency, he enrolled himself at Southern University graduating with a Bachelors in Business in 1986. He was a very determined man and always believed in finishing what he started no matter how long it took. This resulted in his 35 year career with State Farm. Bill not only built a strong business but was more proud of the family he built as well as his many friendships from fishing buddies, golf tournament partners, pool teams, and of course his Monday card group of 22 years. He never met a stranger. After retirement, Bill and Marlene relocated from Metairie, LA to build his dream home in Abita Springs. He became a parishioner of St. Jane Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Bill spent his years of retirement cherishing each day with his wife and watching the legacy he started continue to grow.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Jane de Chantal Catholic Church on Friday, July 9, 2021 at 12:00PM with visitation at the church on Friday, July 9, 2021 beginning at 10:00AM. Reception to follow at Brian & Darnell’s house.

In lieu of flowers, please send masses or memorial contributions in memory of William Joseph Bagley, Sr. to the American Heart Association or The Donald Trump campaign.