Mr. Clifton Manville Bagwell, Jr., age 78, passed away on April 21, 2024, with family at his side. He was born February 5th, 1946, in Rome, GA, to parents, Clifton Manville Bagwell, Sr., and Ruby Carrie Bagwell.
Cliff is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mrs. June D. Bagwell; son, David Bagwell (Emily); granddaughter, Blakeley Bagwell, and grandson, William Bagwell; sister-in-law, Lynn Dougherty; and brothers-in-law, Ray Dougherty (Charlotte) and Frank Dougherty.
After completing his undergraduate degree and ROTC program at Auburn University, Cliff married June and served as an officer in the US Air Force until 1972. He was stationed in CA and SD. Cliff and June returned to Rome in 1973 and Cliff continued his career in banking until 1983 and then with the State of GA until his retirement in 2007. Cliff is a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church of Rome.
Cliff loved all things outdoors and was happiest when he was outside being active. He grew up riding horses, camping, exploring, and hiking. He loved working on his property clearing brush, building rock gardens, and landscaping.
He found his true outdoor passion when he began whitewater kayaking in the early 1980s. He developed many close friendships with fellow paddling enthusiasts in the Rome, GA area. He kayaked all over the SE and as far away as OR/WA with his son. However, his favorite river was the Ocoee River in TN, and he spent countless days camping near that river with friends and family.
He enjoyed his retirement with June treasuring their trips to the mountains, National Parks, and beaches. He never found a trail that he wouldn’t try to explore with her at his side.
A celebration of life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Rome, GA at 2pm on Thursday, April 25, 2024. Visitation will be from 1pm to 2pm.
In Lieu of flowers, the family request you consider making donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or the First United Methodist Church of Rome.
Specials thanks to the Atrium Floyd Medical community, Riverwood Senior Living care staff, and Heyman Hospice.
Henderson & sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, is honored to serve the family of Mr. Clifton Manville Bagwell, Jr.
