William ‘Billy Joe’ Bagwell
Funeral services will be held for Mr. William Joseph “Billy Joe” Bagwell, age 96, at First Presbyterian Church in Homer, on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 2 p.m., with Rev. John McClelland, officiating.
Interment will be at Sibley Cemetery, 2091 La. 145, in Choudrant, with Rev. Marcelle Crow, officatiug. Visitation will be at the church from 1-2 p.m., prior to the service.
Billy Joe was born November 28, 1926, in Choudrant, to Willie Mallory Bagwell and Velma O’Neal Bagwell. He entered into rest on Sunday, June 18, 2023, in Homer. After graduating high school, Billy Joe attended Louisiana Polytechnic Institute, i.e., Louisiana Tech before being drafted in the Army. He served the country he loved in the U.S. Army during WWII and was proud of the Red, White, and Blue that represented the flag and Louisiana Tech baseball.
After being discharged from the Army, he returned to Louisiana Tech where he was a member of their baseball team. Billy Joe left LA Tech to play in Minor League baseball from 1948-1956. In November of 1956, Billy Joe met the love of his life, Joyce Denton Shirey, who was a widow with two daughters. They got married shortly after and were married for over 56 years. Billy Joe enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing golf, and attending church.
He was a member of MCAT, the Men Christian Action Team, of Claiborne Parish, which is a multi- denominational organization that builds ramps for handicap individuals. He adored his church and church family at First Presbyterian Church. Billy Joe was the neighbor who welcomed everyone in his neighborhood in the Lakeview Drive area of Lake Claiborne to make sure they felt like family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather who will be greatly missed by all.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joyce Denton Bagwell; two brothers, Robert J. “Bobby Jack” Bagwell and wife Ruby, and Bruce Benson Bagwell; and two sisters, Alistine Simmons and husband Phil, and Mary Grace Ormond and husband Billy.
He is survived by his two daughters, Theresa Barnett and husband Larry and Marilyn Griffin and husband Jimmy; five grandchildren, Jennifer Barnett, Allison Barnett, James Jacob Griffin and wife Tamra, William Joseph Griffin, John Hudson Griffin and wife Nina; four great- grandchildren, Tripp Jameson Griffin, Finn Wilder Griffin, Rhett Maxwell Griffin, and Jackson Gray Griffin; sister-in-law, Mary Eva Womack Bagwell; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Billy Joe’s family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Sam Abshire and wife Camille, the staff at Presbyterian Village, and Bristol Hospice for the care and compassion given him during his final days.
Pallbearers will be John Griffin, Joey Griffin, Gary Denton, Gary Tom Denton, Neil Newman and Lane Newman.
Honorary pallbearers will be MCAT members.
In lieu of flowers honoring Billy Joe, his family suggests memorials be made to MCAT of Claiborne Parish, 529 Colman Road, Homer, LA, First Presbyterian Church of Homer or donor’s choice.
