Wendell Bagwell, 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 13, 2023, at Huntsville Hospital.
Wendell was born on May 4, 1937, in Union Grove, AL to parents Leo and Simmie Parker Bagwell.
He and his wife of 56 years, Jo Ann Sanders Bagwell, were married on September 2, 1966.They shared a special love story. Their marriage produced two children who he loved with all his heart, and three grandchildren he loved deeply.
He lived a life of service, enlisting the United States Air Force; he was honorably discharged February 16, 1956. He worked in many interesting jobs before finding his true calling as a law enforcement officer. His career began with the Albertville Police Department. He became an Alabama State Trooper in 1963. “Trooper Wendell Bagwell” was how most knew him over the years. He was a proud State Trooper, and served over 25 years, retiring as Corporal in 1988. In addition to serving the community in a public safety role, he also served on the Morgan County Board of Education for 18 years.He was proud of being instrumental in the passage of a county sales tax that has greatly benefited the public schools in Morgan County over the years. He also had an inventor’s mind and held several patents. He was always coming up with unique and creative inventions and ideas.
Wendell Bagwell loved singing with the voice that God gifted him. He used his passion for singing and music to serve in the role of Choir Director at New Canaan Baptist Church at Union Hill for many years. He sang at countless weddings and funerals and counted it a joy to be asked.
Wendell was known and loved by so many for being kind, compassionate, outgoing, and generous. He touched countless lives through the various roles and occupations he served over the years. His children know him as simply “the best Dad in the world” .His grandchildren know him as a very special “Paw Paw”. He will be greatly missed here, but his family knows he is at peace.
He is survived by his wife: JoAnn S. Bagwell, daughter and son-in-law: Connie and Vic Burke, son and daughter-in-law: Shane and Kristi Bagwell, grandchildren: Miles, Tyler, and Eva Bagwell, brother: Sim Bagwell, sisters: Marian Jensen and Joyce Bernice Collins, sister-in-law Faye Lane Weaver, and brothers-in-law Chuck Sanders and Ray Sanders.
He is also survived by several nephews and nieces of special mention: Sherry Elliott, Carol Welch, Linda Springfield, Perry Bagwell, Mary Paulin, Theresa Lacey, Patti Edmundson, Kevin Collins, Korey Collins, Me Lisa Marr, Danny Lane, Harry Lane, Doug Lane, and Shannon Honea. There are many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were also very dear to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers: Theron, James, Willard, Kenneth, Edwin, Cecil, and Roger, and sisters: Louise Wilson and Juanita Metcalfe.
Pallbearers are special nephews: Dean Wilson, Tommy Bagwell, Philip Bagwell, Mike Bagwell, Gary Neighbors, and Keith Collins.
The family will receive friends and family on Friday January 20, 2023, from 10am-12pm at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, located at1340 North Main Street Arab, Al. Funeral services will be held immediately following with Bro. Eldridge Criscoe and Pastor Greg Narrell officiating. An Alabama State Trooper Honor Guard service will be provided. Mr. Bagwell will be interred at Brookwood Cemetery.
Family Request in Lieu of flowers please make donations to Alabama State Troopers Association or Samaritans Purse.
Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, Directing
