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Obituary For Terry Steven Bagwell
Some people spend their lives trying to fit neatly into the world.
Terry Steven Bagwell never did.
Born on November 22, 1956, to Herman and Ida Bagwell, Terry grew up in Walnut Grove, Georgia, one of nine children. He was preceded in death by his siblings Vickie Norris and Travis Bagwell, and is survived by Runette Braswell, Patricia Pugh, Kenneth Bagwell, Dorothy Napier, Hollis Bagwell, and Regina Boyce.
Terry was, by his own description, a “compulsive extremist.” Although he mellowed considerably with age, that spirit of curiosity and adventure never really left him. He was the kind of person who could not simply look at something without wondering how it worked—or whether he could make it work better.
And if something could be taken apart, there was a pretty good chance Terry was going to take it apart.
A gifted plastics engineer, Terry spent much of his career helping develop patents for innovative packaging, many of which continue to be used widely today. His mind was naturally wired to solve problems, invent things, and figure out how the pieces fit together. He could solve a Rubik’s Cube faster than most people could figure out where to begin.
Outside of work, Terry’s interests were just as varied as his personality. In his younger years, he enjoyed riding and building motorcycles, playing tennis, and tinkering with just about anything he could get his hands on. He was a true jack of all trades—master of none, but willing to give anything a try.
And then there was the talking.
Terry never stopped talking.
He always had a story, an observation, a joke, a theory, or something else he absolutely needed you to know. You could count on Terry to fill the room with his voice, his humor, and a one-liner or two.
Those who knew him best will remember his humor, his infectious smile, and those big hugs that came with his unmistakable, booming:
“Howdy, howdy!”
Terry was wonderfully, unapologetically unique. He could be complicated, unconventional, stubborn, hilarious, brilliant, and completely unpredictable—all in the same conversation. He was not a person easily forgotten, because he never tried to be anyone other than himself.
Above all, Terry was a father and grandfather. He is survived by his three children, Niki Bagwell of Bishop, Georgia; Steven Bagwell of Washington, Georgia; and Kaitlyn Johnson and her husband, Andy Johnson, of Thomaston, Georgia, and his three grandchildren, Ryley Crummie, 19; Ryder Crummie, 18; and Birdie Mae Johnson, 6.
His life cannot be reduced to accomplishments or titles. He was a collection of stories, inventions, jokes, hugs, adventures, frustrations, brilliant ideas, and moments that only Terry could have created.
He was a jack of all trades, a compulsive extremist, an inventor, a tinkerer, a storyteller, and—whether you were ready for it or not—a man who always had something to say.
He was one of the most unique people to ever walk this earth.
And for those fortunate enough to have known him, the world will be a little quieter without him in it, but heaven just got a whole lot louder.
The Central Cremation Services staff considers it a privilege to support the family of Terry Steven Bagwell during this time.
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Photos & Video
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Condolences & Tributes
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I send my condolence to the family and friends. I became a friend on Facebook and he was a very nice man. I'm sorry of your loss. 🙏🏼
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I am so sorry to hear about Terry's passing. Well I was shocked. I feel like I just talked to him. He was an amazing cousin but more so a loving friend. Terry was there for me when I lost my mama. He said all the right things. I met Terry through Vicky his sister. Funny story I had a my space account and I was posting some old pictures of the family. I posted one of Uncle Herman, and Vicky said hey that's my dad. Then I said well that's my uncle Herman. Which started a wonderful relationship with Vicky. Many years later I got a Facebook, and I saw Terry had my picture on his post, the one of Uncle Herman with his truck. So we started talking and he was so nice and funny. We got to know each other we had a lot in common. I would have loved to have met him face to face, I never got one of those hugs that he's well known for. I know that heaven got a lot brighter since he got home. Want to celebration they must be having, I love you guys I'm here for you if you need me. I will miss you sweet cousin until we see each other again. ❤️🌹
Goodbye, old friend, and may you rest in peace. I'm ashamed to say I hadn't seen you in many years. When I stumbled my way into Rexcel in my hometown you quickly made me want to learn that plastics industry work with your enthusiasm and amazing knowledge of it. You became my mentor. It went from "just a job" to a lifelong thermoforming career and being a plant manager because of you. And I followed you to Fabri-Kal in South Carolina because of my respect for you. We spent some good times together away from work. And I'll always remember the last time I saw you. Out for a motorcyle ride when I was leaving Fabri-Kal and you up ahead of me standing up on the seat of your Harley with your arms sticking straight out. When a sheriff's deputy topped the hill coming toward us, and made for an interesting event.
Goodbye, brother. I know the road was long, and hard at times, but you're home now.
We are very sorry of the loss of a good man. I worked for, and with Terry at FabriKal from the start up of the plant in Piedmont.
Uncle Terry you will be missed. You were always a kind and funny man. You have three great children that have been a blessing in my life as well. Rest easy . You will be missed by everyone.
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What a beautiful eulogy of my sweet great uncle! Rest In Peace Uncle Terry...see you on the other side when it's my time to go 🕊️
My heart goes out to the family for your loss. That was not only the best eulogy I've ever read, it was absolutely spot on. When I was 6 or 7 we met your Mom and Dad at a park somewhere and they had a camper. We played all morning on zip lines and a big lake there with your Dad being easily heard throughout the park with that infectious laugh and funny comments. Then came time for lunch and we all gathered around the picnic table to make Sandwiches. My and your mother laid out what looked like the whole loaf of bread and Opened the Mayo, only then they realized no one had brought any utensils. Terry being the problem solving expert he was didn't waist a second. He shoved his hand down in that Mayo and before anyone knew it he had that Mayo spread perfectly on every slice!!!! HaHaHaHa!!! Best sandwich I ever had!!!! I have never forgotten that, and kinda made him a hero to me, coolest thing I had ever seen!!!! Love you guys!!!
What an amazing, accurate obituary! Terry has always explained a lot of things to me! Things I never thought of! I've seen him stand on top of his motorcycle riding down a street and a little while later, tearing all apart. And man... he could eat! He always hugged me and flashed that smile! Most importantly, he always made me feel loved!! I love you Terry....fly high!