On March 28, 2023, the Reverend John Bagwell of Macon, Georgia died at the age of 95 years. Rev. Bagwell is survived by three children, Timothy John Bagwell (Susan) of Macon, Georgia; William Key Bagwell (Sue) of St. Simons Island, Georgia; and Nancy Bagwell Martin (Glenn) of Lawrenceville, Georgia. Grandchildren are John H. Bagwell (Greta), Emily Bagwell (Erin), Margaret Frazier (Caleb), Sarah Glass (Will), Rachel Poli (Gabby), and Janell Martin. Great grandchildren are Timothy Bagwell, Margaret Bagwell, Reed Bagwell, Ruby Frazier, Everett Frazier, Bobby Glass, Willa May Glass, and Sunny Poli.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Bertha Nell Key Bagwell, his mother Bertie Bagwell Shinall, stepfather Horace Shinall and brother Eddie Bagwell.
John was born near Cartersville, Georgia in the mill town of Atco on February 4, 1928, and then spent most of his childhood on a nearby farm. During his youth, John excelled in school and was valedictorian of his high school class. Through the encouragement of local ministers and educators as well as his loving family, John was able to achieve his goal of attending college. He graduated from both Asbury College and Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. During his time at Asbury, John met Bertha Nell Key and they married in August 1952, shortly after his graduation from seminary.
John was ordained as a Methodist minister in the South Georgia conference and served churches in Waresboro, Waverly Hall, Macon (Martha Bowman), Metter, Cuthbert, Thomasville (Dawson Street), Quitman, Nashville, and Fort Valley. Compassion, personal relationships, and kindness were hallmarks of his ministry, and these traits endeared him to those he served. He retired in 1992 after 40 years of pastoral ministry.
After retirement, John and Bertha Nell lived in Macon and Americus. They eventually became part of the Carlyle Place community in Macon. During his 14 years at Carlyle Place, John was known as both pastor and dear friend to his fellow residents as well as the staff. His loving kindness and encouragement to all was a testament to his unwavering commitment to others and his strong faith in God.
The funeral will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 31 at Centenary United Methodist Church. A time of visitation will be held in the fellowship hall following the service. The burial will be at 4:00 PM at Poplar Springs Cemetery in Adrian, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, 1290 College Street, Macon, GA 31201 or the Navicent Health Foundation, P.O. Box 7718, Macon, GA 31209 ATTN: Carlyle Place Employee Continuing Education Fund.
Please visit maconmp.com to express your condolences to the family.
Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.
