Terry Steven Bagwell

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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