Gerald Ray Bagwell

Gerald Ray Bagwell, 93, of 3701 Clark Road, Boiling Springs, SC, passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Lakewood Senior Living.

Gerald was born in Spartanburg County, SC, on April 23, 1932, a son of the late Maybelle (Johnson) Bagwell and William H. Bagwell, Sr. He was the husband of Joy (Bright) Bagwell, and they had celebrated 72 years of marriage.

Mr. Bagwell was raised in the Inman Church of God and later became a member of First Baptist Church of North Spartanburg. He was also a member of Inman American Legion Post #45 and a proud supporter of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. A man of strong Christian faith, he dedicated his life to serving others—leading the Men’s Prayer Breakfast at First North for 11 years and recently heading the Veteran’s Club at Lakewood Senior Living. He was passionate about both his country and his faith.

At the age of 17, Gerald enlisted in the National Guard in 1949, and after just a few months, he transitioned to active duty with the U.S. Army during the Korean War era. Stationed at Fort Richardson in Alaska, he served proudly for three years before receiving an honorable discharge in December 1952. Following his military service, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Limestone University.

He worked at Bigelow Sanford Carpet Co. in Landrum and later retired from Hoechst Fibers in Spartanburg, where he worked as an accountant.

In addition to his wife, Gerald is survived by a daughter, Kris Bagwell Merriotte (Scott) of Inman, SC; a son, Donnie Bagwell (Terri) of Boiling Springs, SC; and an adopted grandson, Billy Bevell (Laura). Other grandchildren include Lacey Coyle, Jackie Coyle, Stacy Brown (Russ), and Brooke Ashley (Steven), along with numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Kathy Coyle; a grandson, Landon Parris; and four brothers and four sisters: Homer, Hugh, Thurmond, Walter, Nellie Condrey, Lois Reece, Violet Ivey, and Mary L. Wilson.

Public Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Tuesday, August 26th at Seawright Funeral Home in Inman, SC.

A Memorial Service will follow at 3:00 PM at Seawright Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Randy Lewis officiating.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lakewood Senior Living and Gentiva Hospice for their excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 101 N. Pine St., Suite 215, Spartanburg, SC 29302.

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