Charles A. Strickland
M, b. 13 November 1871, d. 30 April 1935
Charles A. Strickland was born on 13 November 1871 in Pike County, Georgia. He married Beulah Belle Bagwell, daughter of Blakley B. Bagwell Jr. and Queen Victoria Riggins, before 1891. Charles A. Strickland died on 30 April 1935 in Georgia at age 63. He was buried at Old Hebron Cemetery, Concord, Pike County, Georgia.
J. W. "Boss" Bagwell
M, b. 17 January 1875, d. 30 April 1895
J. W. "Boss" Bagwell was born on 17 January 1875 in Georgia. He was the son of Blakley B. Bagwell Jr. and Queen Victoria Riggins. J. W. "Boss" Bagwell died on 30 April 1895 in Georgia at age 20. He was buried at Riggins Bagwell Cemetery, Molena, Pike County, Georgia.1
Citations
- [S3772] J W Bagwell Grave Stone, Find a Grave, www.findagrave.com, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi
Gus Gordy
M, b. circa 1854
Gus Gordy was born circa 1854 in Georgia. He married Resa Carrie Bagwell, daughter of Blakley Bagwell and Nancy Riggins, before 1884.
Woodrow Lattin Bagwell Sr.
M, b. 26 February 1920, d. 7 April 1991
Woodrow Lattin Bagwell Sr. was born on 26 February 1920 in Texas. He was the son of William Smith Bagwell and Izora Sylvia Lattin. He served as Private First Class (Service #: 285676) in the United States Marine Corps. He was in the Guam Marines in Insular Patrol and was a Prisoner of War during World War II. He was at Zentsuji POW Camp (Hiroshima #1) Shikoku Island 34-133.
HOME OF RECORD:
Texas
AWARDS BY DATE OF ACTION:1 of 1
Prisoner of War Medal
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING World War II
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Division: Prisoner of War (Japan)
GENERAL ORDERS:
NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 - 1947
CITATION:
Private First Class Woodrow L. Bagwell (MCSN: 285676), United States Marine Corps, was captured by the Japanese after the fall of Guam on 9 December 1941, and was held as a Prisoner of War until returned to U.S. Military control at the end of the war.
Woodrow Lattin Bagwell Sr. married Maureen Pleasant before 1948. Woodrow Lattin Bagwell Sr. died on 7 April 1991 in Liberty County, Texas, at age 71. He was buried at Cleveland Memorial Cemetery, Cleveland, Liberty County, Texas.
HOME OF RECORD:
Texas
AWARDS BY DATE OF ACTION:1 of 1
Prisoner of War Medal
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING World War II
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Division: Prisoner of War (Japan)
GENERAL ORDERS:
NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 - 1947
CITATION:
Private First Class Woodrow L. Bagwell (MCSN: 285676), United States Marine Corps, was captured by the Japanese after the fall of Guam on 9 December 1941, and was held as a Prisoner of War until returned to U.S. Military control at the end of the war.
Woodrow Lattin Bagwell Sr. married Maureen Pleasant before 1948. Woodrow Lattin Bagwell Sr. died on 7 April 1991 in Liberty County, Texas, at age 71. He was buried at Cleveland Memorial Cemetery, Cleveland, Liberty County, Texas.
Children of Woodrow Lattin Bagwell Sr. and Maureen Pleasant
- Woodrow Lattin Bagwell Jr.+
- Donna Kay Bagwell+ b. 27 Oct 1955, d. 19 Apr 1980
- Sheila Lynn Bagwell
- Bridgett Bagwell
Dorcas Antoinette Bagwell
F, b. 18 January 1922, d. 28 September 1977
Dorcas Antoinette Bagwell was born on 18 January 1922 in Nachagdoches County, Texas. She was the daughter of William Smith Bagwell and Izora Sylvia Lattin. As of after 1945,her married name was Lewis. Dorcas Antoinette Bagwell married William Jay Lewis after 1945. Dorcas Antoinette Bagwell died on 28 September 1977 in Richardson, Dallas County, Texas, at age 55. She was buried at Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.
William Jay Lewis
M
William Jay Lewis married Dorcas Antoinette Bagwell, daughter of William Smith Bagwell and Izora Sylvia Lattin, after 1945.
Deloris May Wilder
F, b. 9 March 1924, d. 5 January 1995
Deloris May Wilder was also known as Dorothy Mae. She was born on 9 March 1924 in Catoosa Township, Rogers County, Oklahoma.1 As of after 1950,her married name was Bagwell. She married Basil Owen Bagwell, son of Joseph Allen Bagwell and Flora N. Pitchford, after 1950. Deloris May Wilder died on 5 January 1995 in Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma, at age 70.1 She was buried at Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma.1
Citations
- [S3954] Deloris M Bagwell Grave Stone, Find a Grave, www.findagrave.com, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi
George Brooks Doshier
M, b. 28 March 1922, d. 9 July 1999
George Brooks Doshier was born on 28 March 1922 in Amarillo, Potter County, Texas. He married Johnnye Louise Bagwell, daughter of Robert Luke Bagwell and Bertie Ophelia Weeks, on 27 September 1946. George Brooks Doshier died on 9 July 1999 in Amarillo, Potter County, Texas, at age 77
George B. Doshier, 77, of Vega died July 9, 1999.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 13, 1999 at Vega United Methodist Church with Reverend Paul Mayhugh, missionary with CBI International officiating. Reverend James Peach, pastor, First Baptist Church assisted. Burial followed at Memorial Park Cemetery at Vega with the services under the direction of Vega Funeral Home.
Mr. Doshier was born in Amarillo. He graduated from Claude High School, then attended Texas A&M for one year before going into the Army Air Corps. He served 3 1/2 years during World War II as a staff sergeant in Newfoundland. Upon his return he attended WTSU for a year.
Mr Doshier had lived in Vega since 1948 before moving to Amarillo two months ago. He was a retired farmer and rancher.
Mr. Doshier was a member of the Vega United Methodist Church, a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge and a member of the Vega American Legion Post.
Mr. Doshier served on the board of the Vega Wheat Growers Association and the board of Amarillo Production Credit Association.
He married Johnnye Louise Bagwell on September 27, 1946 in Claude. Mr. Doshier was preceded in death by a brother, Carroll Doshier, in 1998.
Survivors include his wife; one son, David Doshier of Vega; three daughters, Diana Mayhugh of Maxau, China, Nancy Brackett of Shallowater, Texas and Betty Backer of Taos, New Mexico; a sister LaNell Gunter of Claude, and 12 grandchildren.
The family requests memorials be to Memorial Park Cemetery oat Vega, P.O. Box 496, Vega, Texas 79092 or a favorite charity. He was buried at Memorial Park Cemetery, Vega, Oldham County, Texas.
George B. Doshier, 77, of Vega died July 9, 1999.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 13, 1999 at Vega United Methodist Church with Reverend Paul Mayhugh, missionary with CBI International officiating. Reverend James Peach, pastor, First Baptist Church assisted. Burial followed at Memorial Park Cemetery at Vega with the services under the direction of Vega Funeral Home.
Mr. Doshier was born in Amarillo. He graduated from Claude High School, then attended Texas A&M for one year before going into the Army Air Corps. He served 3 1/2 years during World War II as a staff sergeant in Newfoundland. Upon his return he attended WTSU for a year.
Mr Doshier had lived in Vega since 1948 before moving to Amarillo two months ago. He was a retired farmer and rancher.
Mr. Doshier was a member of the Vega United Methodist Church, a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge and a member of the Vega American Legion Post.
Mr. Doshier served on the board of the Vega Wheat Growers Association and the board of Amarillo Production Credit Association.
He married Johnnye Louise Bagwell on September 27, 1946 in Claude. Mr. Doshier was preceded in death by a brother, Carroll Doshier, in 1998.
Survivors include his wife; one son, David Doshier of Vega; three daughters, Diana Mayhugh of Maxau, China, Nancy Brackett of Shallowater, Texas and Betty Backer of Taos, New Mexico; a sister LaNell Gunter of Claude, and 12 grandchildren.
The family requests memorials be to Memorial Park Cemetery oat Vega, P.O. Box 496, Vega, Texas 79092 or a favorite charity. He was buried at Memorial Park Cemetery, Vega, Oldham County, Texas.
David Edgar Bagwell
M, b. 1867, d. 9 November 1917
David Edgar Bagwell was born in 1867 in Texas.1 He married Martha Ann Kirk on 16 October 1905 at Johnson County, Texas. David Edgar Bagwell died on 9 November 1917 in Parkland Hospital, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, of Tabes Dorsalis with pneumonia as a contributor.1 He was buried at City Cemetery, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.1
Children of David Edgar Bagwell and Martha Ann Kirk
- Cleo Edward Bagwell b. 1908, d. 1946
- Marie Lenora Bagwell2 b. 24 Oct 1910, d. 21 Mar 1971
Citations
- [S4588] D. E. Bagwell Grave Stone, Find a Grave, www.findagrave.com, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi
- [S4589] Marie Lenora Bagwell Merritt Grave Stone, Find a Grave, www.findagrave.com, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi
Martha Ann Kirk
F, b. 8 February 1868, d. 9 December 1940
Martha Ann Kirk was born on 8 February 1868 in Mississippi.1 As of before 1893,her married name was Dorian. She married John J. Dorian before 1893. As of 16 October 1905,her married name was Bagwell. Martha Ann Kirk married David Edgar Bagwell on 16 October 1905 at Johnson County, Texas. Martha Ann Kirk died on 9 December 1940 in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, at age 72.1 She was buried at Grove Hill Memorial Park, Dallas, Dalas County, Texas.1
Children of Martha Ann Kirk and John J. Dorian
- Emma Dorian b. Jan 1894
- Alma Dorian b. 23 Jun 1895, d. Oct 1968
- Verda Dorian b. Apr 1899
Children of Martha Ann Kirk and David Edgar Bagwell
- Cleo Edward Bagwell b. 1908, d. 1946
- Marie Lenora Bagwell2 b. 24 Oct 1910, d. 21 Mar 1971
Citations
- [S4587] Martha Ann Kirk Bagwell Grave Stone, Find a Grave, www.findagrave.com, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi
- [S4589] Marie Lenora Bagwell Merritt Grave Stone, Find a Grave, www.findagrave.com, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi
Cleo Edward Bagwell
M, b. 1908, d. 1946
Cleo Edward Bagwell was born in 1908 in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.1 He was the son of David Edgar Bagwell and Martha Ann Kirk. Cleo Edward Bagwell married Lucille Brooks on 7 November 1931 at Bryan, Oklahoma. Cleo Edward Bagwell died in 1946.1 He was buried at Grove Hill Memorial Park, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.1
Citations
- [S4586] Cleo Edward Bagwell Grave Stone, Find a Grave, www.findagrave.com, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi
Verda Dorian
F, b. April 1899
Verda Dorian was born in April 1899 in Texas. She was the daughter of John J. Dorian and Martha Ann Kirk.
Alma Dorian
F, b. 23 June 1895, d. October 1968
Alma Dorian was born on 23 June 1895. She was the daughter of John J. Dorian and Martha Ann Kirk. Alma Dorian died in October 1968 at age 73.
Cloe Kathleen Thompson
F, b. 19 January 1901, d. 3 October 1977
Cloe Kathleen Thompson was born on 19 January 1901 in Oska Loosa, Iowa. As of before 1932,her married name was Bagwell. She married Glenn Wilson Bagwell, son of Richard S. Bagwell and Maude Mae Sharpnack, before 1932. Cloe Kathleen Thompson died on 3 October 1977 at age 76. She was buried at Oakland Cemetery, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.
Children of Cloe Kathleen Thompson and Glenn Wilson Bagwell
- Lawrence Lee Bagwell b. 4 Aug 1932, d. 19 Dec 2012
- Mary Louise Bagwell b. 4 Aug 1932, d. 31 Jul 2025
Lawrence Lee Bagwell
M, b. 4 August 1932, d. 19 December 2012
Lawrence Lee Bagwell was born on 4 August 1932 in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas. He was the son of Glenn Wilson Bagwell and Cloe Kathleen Thompson. He served as a Sergent in the US Marine Corp. Lawrence Lee Bagwell married Otilla Rosson. Lawrence Lee Bagwell married Barbara Lafern Crouch on 29 November 1951 at Rockwall, Texas. Lawrence Lee Bagwell married Velam Jean Mass on 26 November 1953 at Robertson County, Tennessee. Lawrence Lee Bagwell and Otilla Rosson lived in 1972 in Dallas, Texas. Lawrence Lee Bagwell married Suzanne Quintero on 2 May 1975 at San Bernardino County, California. Lawrence Lee Bagwell and Suzanne Quintero were divorced in December 1976 at San Bernardino County, California. Lawrence Lee Bagwell married Rebecca Anne Barsalone on 4 November 1978 at Clark County, California. Lawrence Lee Bagwell and Rebecca Anne Barsalone were divorced on 2 February 1984 at San Bernardino County, California. Lawrence Lee Bagwell married Shannon L. Griffith on 22 April 1995 at Henderson County, Texas. Lawrence Lee Bagwell died on 19 December 2012 in Malakoff, Texas, at age 80. He was buried at Oakland Cemetery, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.
Mary Louise Bagwell
F, b. 4 August 1932, d. 31 July 2025
Mary Louise Bagwell was born on 4 August 1932 in Dallas County, Texas. She was the daughter of Glenn Wilson Bagwell and Cloe Kathleen Thompson. As of after 1950,her married name was Sampert. Mary Louise Bagwell married Bill Sampert after 1950. Mary Louise Bagwell died on 31 July 2025 at age 92
Mary Louise Sampert, 92 was born on August 4,1932 to parents Glen Wilson Bagwell and Kathleen Chloe Bagwell. She is survived by her Daughter Suzanne Worthing. Son In Law Mike worthing, Daughter Mary Green, Son in Law Steve Green, Son in Law Jim Sammons, Granddaughters Kelly Thurman and Jennifer Green, Grandson Travis Green, Great Grandchildren Peyton, Lyla. and Sadie Davison, and Ryllie Eckes.
She was preceded in death by her Husband, Bill Sampert, her daughter, Linda Sammons and her Granddaughter Kerrie Ennis.
She graduated from Forest Avenue High School and El Centro Nursing Program. Mary Louise worked at Parkland Hospital in the Obstetrics Ward for 13 years. She was a longtime member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ. Mary volunteered for many years at the Dallas Arboretum.
The best words to describe Mary Louise are devoted and sweet. She was devoted to her husband, Bill her family, her friends, her nursing profession, her church and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was sweet to all who were lucky enough to cross paths with her. She will be greatly missed.
She was buried on 22 August 2025 at Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.
Mary Louise Sampert, 92 was born on August 4,1932 to parents Glen Wilson Bagwell and Kathleen Chloe Bagwell. She is survived by her Daughter Suzanne Worthing. Son In Law Mike worthing, Daughter Mary Green, Son in Law Steve Green, Son in Law Jim Sammons, Granddaughters Kelly Thurman and Jennifer Green, Grandson Travis Green, Great Grandchildren Peyton, Lyla. and Sadie Davison, and Ryllie Eckes.
She was preceded in death by her Husband, Bill Sampert, her daughter, Linda Sammons and her Granddaughter Kerrie Ennis.
She graduated from Forest Avenue High School and El Centro Nursing Program. Mary Louise worked at Parkland Hospital in the Obstetrics Ward for 13 years. She was a longtime member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ. Mary volunteered for many years at the Dallas Arboretum.
The best words to describe Mary Louise are devoted and sweet. She was devoted to her husband, Bill her family, her friends, her nursing profession, her church and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was sweet to all who were lucky enough to cross paths with her. She will be greatly missed.
She was buried on 22 August 2025 at Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.
(?) Selm
M
(?) Selm married Margaret Bell "Maggie" Bagwell, daughter of Richard S. Bagwell and Maude Mae Sharpnack, after 1925.
Oleta Lois Bagwell
F, b. 15 February 1911, d. 7 March 1995
Oleta Lois Bagwell was born on 15 February 1911 in Fayette County, Alabama. She was the daughter of Richard S. Bagwell and Maude Mae Sharpnack. As of after 1927,her married name was Davis. Oleta Lois Bagwell married (?) Davis after 1927. As of June 1932,her married name was Spradlin. Oleta Lois Bagwell married Melvin F. Spradlin in June 1932. Oleta Lois Bagwell died on 7 March 1995 in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, at age 84. She was buried at Laurel Land Memorial Park, Dallas, Dalls County, Texas.
(?) Davis
M
(?) Davis married Oleta Lois Bagwell, daughter of Richard S. Bagwell and Maude Mae Sharpnack, after 1927.
James Elmer Olive
M
James Elmer Olive married Nannie Bagwell, daughter of James Wilson Bagwell and Ruth Caroline Kate Collins, after 1900.
Thomas Franklin Shepard
M, b. 12 May 1870, d. 15 July 1962
Thomas Franklin Shepard was born on 12 May 1870 in Alabama. He married Margaret Ann "Maggie' Bagwell, daughter of James Wilson Bagwell and Ruth Caroline Kate Collins, in 1894. Thomas Franklin Shepard died on 15 July 1962 in Bessemer, Jefferson County, Alabama, at age 92. He was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Jasper, Walker County, Alabama.
George Edward Bagwell
M, b. 3 May 1904, d. 3 September 1976
George Edward Bagwell was born on 3 May 1904 in Athens, Texas. He was the son of John Henry Selby and Jeanne M. Bagwell. George Edward Bagwell married Texana Marie Maxwell on 8 September 1928 at Dallas, Dallas County, Texas. George Edward Bagwell died on 3 September 1976 in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, at age 72. He was buried on 7 September 1976 at Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.
Child of George Edward Bagwell and Texana Marie Maxwell
- Charlotte Marie Bagwell b. 3 Dec 1930, d. 24 Dec 1979
Texana Marie Maxwell
F, b. 26 November 1907, d. 21 March 1936
Texana Marie Maxwell was born on 26 November 1907 in Athens, Henderson County, Texas. As of 8 September 1928,her married name was Bagwell. She married George Edward Bagwell, son of John Henry Selby and Jeanne M. Bagwell, on 8 September 1928 at Dallas, Dallas County, Texas. Texana Marie Maxwell died on 21 March 1936 in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, at age 28.
Child of Texana Marie Maxwell and George Edward Bagwell
- Charlotte Marie Bagwell b. 3 Dec 1930, d. 24 Dec 1979
Charlotte Marie Bagwell
F, b. 3 December 1930, d. 24 December 1979
Charlotte Marie Bagwell was born on 3 December 1930 in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas. She was the daughter of George Edward Bagwell and Texana Marie Maxwell. As of after 1946,her married name was McCray. Charlotte Marie Bagwell married J. B. McCray after 1946. Charlotte Marie Bagwell died on 24 December 1979 in Odessa, Ector County, Texas, at age 49.
J. B. McCray
M, b. 8 July 1929, d. 22 February 2016
J. B. McCray was born on 8 July 1929 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He married Charlotte Marie Bagwell, daughter of George Edward Bagwell and Texana Marie Maxwell, after 1946. J. B. McCray died on 22 February 2016 in Abilene, Taylor County, Texas, at age 86.
Joseph Gene Bagwell
M
Joseph Gene Bagwell is the son of Charles Herman Bagwell and Jeanette Kennedy. Joseph Gene Bagwell married Ann Cowan circa 1958. Joseph Gene Bagwell married Janet June Bishop on 2 September 1988 at Bradley County, Tennessee.
Children of Joseph Gene Bagwell and Ann Cowan
Janet June Bishop
F, b. 29 July 1945, d. 15 October 2008
Janet June Bishop was born on 29 July 1945 in Gatlinburg, Polk County, Tennessee.1 As of after 1964,her married name was Harris. She married John H. Harris Jr. after 1964. As of 2 September 1988,her married name was Bagwell. Janet June Bishop married Joseph Gene Bagwell, son of Charles Herman Bagwell and Jeanette Kennedy, on 2 September 1988 at Bradley County, Tennessee. Janet June Bishop died on 15 October 2008 in Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee, at age 63.1 She was buried on 15 October 2008 at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery, Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee.1
Citations
- [S5232] June L Bagwell Grave Stone, Find a Grave, www.findagrave.com, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi
Ross Kennedy Bagwell Sr.
M, b. 17 January 1932, d. 23 November 2023
Ross Kennedy Bagwell Sr. was born on 17 January 1932 in Tennessee.1 He was the son of Charles Herman Bagwell and Jeanette Kennedy. Ross Bagwell is a pioneer in cable television, having produced thousands of hours of programming. He built one of the largest privately held production companies in the United States before selling to Scripps Howard in 1994. Ross Kennedy Bagwell Sr. married Edna Sue Burchfield in 1951 at Knoxville, Tennessee. Ross Kennedy Bagwell Sr. died on 23 November 2023 in Knoxville, Tennessee, at age 91
Media pioneer and trailblazing television producer Ross K. Bagwell Sr., age 91, passed away November 23, 2023 in Knoxville, TN. He was well known as a successful entrepreneur, a creative genius, and gifted storyteller. He was also a dedicated husband, a loving father and friend/teacher/mentor to countless East Tennesseans.
Bagwell grew up on Knoxville’s Lilly Avenue, attending Staub School, Tyson Middle School and Knoxville High School. He then served in the United States Air Force stationed in Biloxi, MS and Cape Cod, MA. After his service he worked at Oak Ridge National Labs while attending The University of Tennessee.
In 1951 Ross saw his first television broadcast and fell in love with the idea of creating television programming. With Sue’s blessing he took a bus to New York City, enrolled in NYU and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and accepted a position as a pageboy at NBC. He rose through the ranks at NBC until 1964 when his wife Sue convinced him to move the family back to Knoxville.
He initially worked at WATE-TV, then moved on to advertising, working at Lavidge, Davis and Newman before starting his own agency, Bagwell Advertising. Unable to resist the lure of television he also launched Cinetel Productions in 1975 which would go on to become one of America’s most prolific independent production companies. He created and produced hundreds of hours of programming including popular series like I-40 Paradise, Club Dance, Exploring America, Hey Dude, and America’s Castles to name just a few. In 1994 he sold the company to Scripps Howard to become home to HGTV and the Scripps Networks. Following the sale he started Ross Television Productions as an outlet for his genuine love of creating television, film, games and other creative properties. He was a passionate creative who loved collaboration with coworkers throughout his career. Bagwell is generally credited as the catalyst that brought East Tennessee’s growing film and television industry to life.
Throughout his life his wife, Sue Burchfield, was steadfast beside him. They met as 8th graders at Tyson Middle School and remained completely devoted to each other throughout their lives. Ross missed her greatly following her passing in June of 2022.
Ross was a wonderful father to Ross Jr. and Dee Haslam. They worked beside each other, traveled together and greatly enjoyed each other’s company. Learning under him was an incredible gift.
Friends knew him as a true gentleman who cared deeply about people. He was a father figure to many. He never said goodbye without saying, “Be careful!” and “Call me if you need me.”
He is survived by his daughter Dee Haslam and her husband, Jimmy. Grandchildren James Bagwell Haslam, Whitney Haslam Johnson and husband JW, Cynthia Haslam Arnholt and husband David. Six great-grandchildren Jack, Susan and James Arnholt, Hank, Ross and Max Johnson. Brother Joe Bagwell, sister-in-law Joan Thomas and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by wife Sue, son Ross, parents Charles and Jeanette Bagwell, brother Barney, in-laws Ed and Naomi Burchfield, Dr. Dewey Thomas and Rhea and Jim Copeland.
Ross also leaves behind Carmita Wright, his devoted assistant of 38 years, his incredible caregivers, Shiela Sexton and Etra Helms, and all the caregivers who cared deeply for both Sue and Ross through the years.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cherokee Country Club on December 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM followed by receiving of friends between 12:00 PM-2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Lakeshore Park, 5930 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919; Emerald Youth Foundation, 1014 Heiskell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921; and University of Tennessee Medical Center Pastoral Care, 1924 Alcoa Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com for the Bagwell family.
He was buried at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery, Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee.
Media pioneer and trailblazing television producer Ross K. Bagwell Sr., age 91, passed away November 23, 2023 in Knoxville, TN. He was well known as a successful entrepreneur, a creative genius, and gifted storyteller. He was also a dedicated husband, a loving father and friend/teacher/mentor to countless East Tennesseans.
Bagwell grew up on Knoxville’s Lilly Avenue, attending Staub School, Tyson Middle School and Knoxville High School. He then served in the United States Air Force stationed in Biloxi, MS and Cape Cod, MA. After his service he worked at Oak Ridge National Labs while attending The University of Tennessee.
In 1951 Ross saw his first television broadcast and fell in love with the idea of creating television programming. With Sue’s blessing he took a bus to New York City, enrolled in NYU and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and accepted a position as a pageboy at NBC. He rose through the ranks at NBC until 1964 when his wife Sue convinced him to move the family back to Knoxville.
He initially worked at WATE-TV, then moved on to advertising, working at Lavidge, Davis and Newman before starting his own agency, Bagwell Advertising. Unable to resist the lure of television he also launched Cinetel Productions in 1975 which would go on to become one of America’s most prolific independent production companies. He created and produced hundreds of hours of programming including popular series like I-40 Paradise, Club Dance, Exploring America, Hey Dude, and America’s Castles to name just a few. In 1994 he sold the company to Scripps Howard to become home to HGTV and the Scripps Networks. Following the sale he started Ross Television Productions as an outlet for his genuine love of creating television, film, games and other creative properties. He was a passionate creative who loved collaboration with coworkers throughout his career. Bagwell is generally credited as the catalyst that brought East Tennessee’s growing film and television industry to life.
Throughout his life his wife, Sue Burchfield, was steadfast beside him. They met as 8th graders at Tyson Middle School and remained completely devoted to each other throughout their lives. Ross missed her greatly following her passing in June of 2022.
Ross was a wonderful father to Ross Jr. and Dee Haslam. They worked beside each other, traveled together and greatly enjoyed each other’s company. Learning under him was an incredible gift.
Friends knew him as a true gentleman who cared deeply about people. He was a father figure to many. He never said goodbye without saying, “Be careful!” and “Call me if you need me.”
He is survived by his daughter Dee Haslam and her husband, Jimmy. Grandchildren James Bagwell Haslam, Whitney Haslam Johnson and husband JW, Cynthia Haslam Arnholt and husband David. Six great-grandchildren Jack, Susan and James Arnholt, Hank, Ross and Max Johnson. Brother Joe Bagwell, sister-in-law Joan Thomas and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by wife Sue, son Ross, parents Charles and Jeanette Bagwell, brother Barney, in-laws Ed and Naomi Burchfield, Dr. Dewey Thomas and Rhea and Jim Copeland.
Ross also leaves behind Carmita Wright, his devoted assistant of 38 years, his incredible caregivers, Shiela Sexton and Etra Helms, and all the caregivers who cared deeply for both Sue and Ross through the years.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cherokee Country Club on December 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM followed by receiving of friends between 12:00 PM-2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Lakeshore Park, 5930 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919; Emerald Youth Foundation, 1014 Heiskell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921; and University of Tennessee Medical Center Pastoral Care, 1924 Alcoa Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com for the Bagwell family.
He was buried at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery, Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee.
Children of Ross Kennedy Bagwell Sr. and Edna Sue Burchfield
- Ross Kennedy Bagwell Jr. b. 22 Jul 1952, d. 4 Oct 2008
- Susan "Dee" Bagwell
Citations
- [S5229] Sr Ross K Bagwell Grave Stone, Find a Grave, www.findagrave.com, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi
Edna Sue Burchfield
F, b. 22 July 1932, d. 21 June 2022
Edna Sue Burchfield was born on 22 July 1932 in Knoxville, Tennessee.1 As of 1951,her married name was Bagwell. She married Ross Kennedy Bagwell Sr., son of Charles Herman Bagwell and Jeanette Kennedy, in 1951 at Knoxville, Tennessee. Edna Sue Burchfield died on 21 June 2022 in Knoxville, Tennessee, at age 89. She was buried on 25 June 2022 at Highland Memorial Cemetery, Knoxville, Tennessee.
Children of Edna Sue Burchfield and Ross Kennedy Bagwell Sr.
- Ross Kennedy Bagwell Jr. b. 22 Jul 1952, d. 4 Oct 2008
- Susan "Dee" Bagwell
Citations
- [S5230] Sue B Bagwell Grave Stone, Find a Grave, www.findagrave.com, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi
Ross Kennedy Bagwell Jr.
M, b. 22 July 1952, d. 4 October 2008
Ross Kennedy Bagwell Jr. was born on 22 July 1952.1 He was the son of Ross Kennedy Bagwell Sr. and Edna Sue Burchfield. Ross Kennedy Bagwell Jr. died on 4 October 2008 at age 56.1 He was buried on 7 October 2008 at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery, Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee.1
Citations
- [S5231] Jr Ross Kennedy Bagwell Grave Stone, Find a Grave, www.findagrave.com, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi


