William Bagby

William Leon "Papa" Bagby, 90, of Apison, TN passed on September 26, 2024, preceded in death by his wife, Freda, parents Charles and Annie Bagby, brother Charles Bagby and sisters Betty Wilhoit and Bernice Bryant.

Leon was born on November 13, 1933, in Cohutta, GA at the current site of the eternal flame at Red Clay State Park. His family were sharecroppers and as a young adult he labored in farming/rural manual construction gaining skills he used throughout his entire life. He married the love of his life, Freda Huckabee in 1954 and started his career at the Chattanooga Dupont plant. Drafted into Naval service, Leon and Freda moved to Annapolis MD and later transferred to Naval Air Station Key West FL, where he developed a lifelong passion for aviation while crewing rescue boats assisting pilot training. Over the course of his time in the Navy he had many responsibilities including Minesweeper and Engine Mechanic.

After completing military service, they returned to Apison with their growing family and Leon resumed his career with Dupont and commercially farmed. He went on to retire from Dupont after 39 years of service. After two weeks of "retirement" he accepted an offer from Collegedale TN airport where he served for over 20 years. Leon loved meeting and spending time with fellow aviators, working with the Forestry Service and volunteering for Young Eagles Flight Days.

Leon served as a Deacon and many other leadership roles at Apison Baptist Church. He was a great example of faith, love of family and hard work.

Leon was dearly loved by many and will be greatly missed by his children, Vanessa (Paul) Lambert of Sparta, TN, Rene (Keith) Sullivan of Ooltewah, TN, and Lamonte (Sandy) Bagby of Apison, TN; grandchildren Jason (Emily) Sullivan, Paula Coffman, Will (Cindy) Sullivan, Josh (Katie) Bagby, Nathan (Daisha) Lambert, and Caleb (Olivia) Bagby; great-grandchildren Launa and Alayna Coffman, Ariana Sullivan, Briggs and Sullie Bagby; Lily, Brooks, and Parker Lambert, and Niko Bagby; his and Freda's dear friend since Naval service Ellen Palmer of Friendswood, TX; as well as members of Apison Baptist Church and countless friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at Apison Baptist Church at 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 20, 2024, with burial immediately following at Plowman Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Apison Food Pantry Ministry, 11127 Old E Brainerd Rd, Apison, TN 37302.