Person Page - 683

     William P. Bagwell was also known as Bill Bagwell. He was born on 11 January 1944 in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana. He was the son of William Woodson Bagwell and Annie Alice Posey.
Bill Bagwell was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on January 11, 1944. He grew up in rural northwest Louisiana and was introduced to the outdoors at an early age by his uncles, who were avid hunters and fishermen. Bagwell was also a talented athlete and lettered in football, baseball, and track during his high school career. His senior year at North Caddo High School saw him named to the High School All-American Football team as a tackle, and he attended Louisiana Tech University on a football scholarship. He also attended Northwestern State University and has an educational background in engineering, English, and history.

Bagwell has always been fascinated by knives. He made his first knife at the age of 10 from an old saw. While he was in high school he began to forge knives in the industrial arts shop, and by the time he was 15 he was forging hunting and Bowie knives as a hobby. He made and sold knives while he was in college and became a full-time professional bladesmith in 1969. Bagwell's skill and talent as a bladesmith is due in part to the fact that he grew up in an area that was rich in the lore of James Bowie and the early history of both Texas and Louisiana. The Bowie knife played a prominent role in the early history of the area, and the young Bill Bagwell wanted a good one for himself. Since none were available for purchase, he began to make his own. Bagwell has always sought excellence, and his early quest for a better Bowie knife has ultimately brought his knives to the point where they are today.

Bill Bagwell is one of the true pioneers in the making of Damascus blades in the United States. He completed his first successful Damascus blade on December 1, 1973, after about six months of trial and failure. In early 1976, with the late Don Hastings, B.R. Hughes and Bill Moran, Bagwell became one of the founding members of the American Bladesmith Society and wrote the original charter for that organization. He also served as the society's first secretary and was on its first board of directors.

Bagwell has lectured on blades and forging at the University of Wyoming at Dubois, the University of Florida at Tallahassee, and Texarkana College at its facility at Black's Forge in Washington, Arkansas. Bagwell has also made wootz steel and began work in that field in 1979.

In 1984, Bill Bagwell became the knife editor for Soldier Of Fortune magazine, and the monthly "Battle Blades" column was begun under his byline. He continued to write the column until 1988 when pressing family matters called him to Belize for 18 months. (This November, Paladin Press will release the long-awaited anthology of Bagwell's "Battle Blades" columns, entitled Bowies, Big Knives, and the Best of Battle Blades. Advance copies will be on display at the Soldier Of Fortune Convention in Las Vegas, October 12-15.) Upon his return from Belize, Bagwell resumed his knifemaking career.

In September 1995, Bagwell attended the prestigious Paris Knife Show, where one of his Damascus Bowies won the award for the best fixed-bladed Damascus knife at the show. The following spring he was commissioned to go to Theirs, France, and conduct a forging and knifemaking demonstration by the Theirs Department of Commerce and Industry.

Today Bagwell focuses his knife energies on his "Hell's Belle" fighting Bowies. The Hell's Belle is acknowledged by many to be the finest fighting Bowie knife ever made, and those examples hand-forged and made by Bagwell himself are, without a doubt, in a class by themselves. Bagwell's research and studies into tactics and application of the fighting Bowie knife in a combat environment have not gone unnoticed, and he currently serves as an instructor to selected units of the U.S. Army's Special Forces at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

Bagwell is also an accomplished rifle shot. His primary interest is in black powder firearms, and he has served as a consultant to GOEX since 1993. His love of the outdoors has remained strong over the years, and his interest in history has led him to study the arms and weapons of early America. While Bagwell's early studies were focused on muzzleloaders (which ultimately led him to good Hawken rifles), the last 10 years have seen him develop the knowledge and skills necessary to shoot the black powder cartridge rifles. The long-range marksmanship of the buffalo hunters of the plains was not just legend, and Bagwell can today take a Sharps rifle and hit a gallon jug at a quarter of a mile with cast lead bullets, black powder, and iron sights.

Bill Bagwell is a rarity in today's world. He is a man at the top of his game who is doing exactly what he wants to do, when he wants to do it. Happily married, he and his wife, Sidra, currently reside in Louisiana.
William P. Bagwell married Arlene K. Brewster on 18 August 1970 at Marion, Texas. William P. Bagwell and Arlene K. Brewster were divorced in 1986 at Cass County, Texas. William P. Bagwell married Marlin L. Young on 17 October 1987 at Gregg County, Texas. William P. Bagwell and Marlin L. Young were divorced on 27 January 1992 at Cass County, Texas. William P. Bagwell married Sildra (?) circa 1997. William P. Bagwell lived from 2002 to 2020 in Woodlawn, Texas. He died on 17 February 2021 at age 77. He was cremated.

     Helen France was born on 12 January 1906 in Kansas.¹ As of 31 October 1925,her married name was Bagwell. She married Thurman Edward Bagwell, son of James Edward Bagwell and Delzina E. Thurman, on 31 October 1925 at Indiana. Helen France died on 24 October 1999 in Kansas at age 93.¹ She was buried at Fairview Cemetery, Greensburg, Kiowa County, Kansas.¹

     Delores E. Bagwell is the daughter of Thurman Edward Bagwell and Helen France. Delores E. Bagwell married Calvin C. Duncan on 28 July 1973 at Hutchinson County, Texas.

     Calvin C. Duncan married Delores E. Bagwell, daughter of Thurman Edward Bagwell and Helen France, on 28 July 1973 at Hutchinson County, Texas.

     Earl Edwin Bagwell was born on 16 October 1933 in Kansas.¹ He was the son of Thurman Edward Bagwell and Helen France. Earl Edwin Bagwell married Marcia Sue (?) after 1951. He was in the KS PFC 120 Engineer BN during the Korean War from 16 July 1952 to 8 November 1955.¹ Earl Edwin Bagwell died on 11 February 1973 in Greensburg, Kansas, at age 39.¹ He was buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.¹

     Kenneth William Bagwell was born on 9 October 1935 in Augusta, Kansas.¹ He was the son of Thurman Edward Bagwell and Helen France. Kenneth William Bagwell married Jeanetta Beth Woods on 15 December 1957. Kenneth William Bagwell died on 12 January 2013 at age 77
Obituary: Kenneth W. Bagwell
Kenneth W. Bagwell, 77, passed away at his home in Lawrence on January 12, 2013.

Lawrence, Ks. -- Kenneth W. Bagwell, 77, passed away at his home in Lawrence on January 12, 2013.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00p.m. Thursday, January 17, 2013 at Chapel Oaks in Lawrence, a Funeral Service will be on 11:00a.m. Friday, January 18, 2013, at Chapel Oaks in Lawrence, and then a Graveside will be held on Saturday Jan. 19 at 1:00p.m in Greensburg at the Fairview Cemetery.

Kenneth Bagwell, son of Thurman Bagwell and Helen (Frances) Bagwell, was born October 9, 1935 in Augusta, KS. Kenneth graduated from Greensburg High School and attended Kansas University for 3 years. Kenneth married Jeanetta Woods, she preceded him in death in 2007. Kenneth worked as an electrician (Journeyman) for IBEW 226 out of Topeka, Ks. Kenneth is also preceded in death by his brother Earl Bagwell and his mother and father. He is survived by his four sons, William Jay Bagwell and wife Connie, Randall Lynn Bagwell and wife Nancy, Bruce Allen and wife Kandi, and Scott Aaron Bagwell, 2 sisters, Delores Duncan of Stinnett, TX, and Sharon Farmer of Fort Scott, KS, and 11 grandchildren.¹
He was buried on 19 January 2013 at Fairview Cemetery, Greensburg, Kiowa County, Kansas.¹

     Sharon D. Bagwell is the daughter of Thurman Edward Bagwell and Helen France. Sharon D. Bagwell married (?) Farmer after 1955.

     Jeanetta Beth Woods was born on 16 May 1936 in Greensburg, Kansas.¹ As of 15 December 1957,her married name was Bagwell. She married Kenneth William Bagwell, son of Thurman Edward Bagwell and Helen France, on 15 December 1957. Jeanetta Beth Woods died on 24 September 2007 at age 71.¹ She was buried at Fairview Cemetery, Greensburg, Kiowa County, Kansas.¹

     William Jay Bagwell is the son of Kenneth William Bagwell and Jeanetta Beth Woods.¹ William Jay Bagwell married Connie (?) after 1975.

     Bruce Allen Bagwell is the son of Kenneth William Bagwell and Jeanetta Beth Woods.¹ Bruce Allen Bagwell married Kandi (?) after 1975.

     Randall Lynn Bagwell is the son of Kenneth William Bagwell and Jeanetta Beth Woods.¹ Randall Lynn Bagwell married Nancy (?) after 1975.

     Scott Aaron Bagwell is the son of Kenneth William Bagwell and Jeanetta Beth Woods.

     (?) Farmer married Sharon D. Bagwell, daughter of Thurman Edward Bagwell and Helen France, after 1955.

     Connie (?) married William Jay Bagwell, son of Kenneth William Bagwell and Jeanetta Beth Woods, after 1975.

     Nancy (?) married Randall Lynn Bagwell, son of Kenneth William Bagwell and Jeanetta Beth Woods, after 1975.

     Kandi (?) married Bruce Allen Bagwell, son of Kenneth William Bagwell and Jeanetta Beth Woods, after 1975.

     Mary Alyce Greene was born on 3 November 1913.¹ As of before 1942,her married name was Bagwell.¹ She married Marvin Leon Bagwell Sr., son of Luther Broadus Bagwell and Maggie L. Greer, before 1942.¹ Mary Alyce Greene died on 28 October 1999 at age 85.¹

     Marvin Leon Bagwell was born on 19 July 1942 in Greenville, South Carolina. He was the son of Marvin Leon Bagwell Sr. and Mary Alyce Greene. Marvin Leon Bagwell married Carolyn Jean Penland on 19 August 1961 at Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina. Marvin Leon Bagwell died on 27 June 2019 in Blowing Rock Township, Watauga County, North Carolina, at age 76
Marvin Bagwell Jr (Sunny) 76, passed away peacefully, June 27, 2019 after declining health with Parkinson's and dementia.

Marvin was born July 19, 1942 in Greenville, SC to the late Marvin and Mary Bagwell. He graduated from Greenville High School and he attended the University of South Carolina and Palmer School of Business in Columbia SC. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Jean Penland, August 19, 1961.

Marvin had a very successful career as a commercial insurance broker. He worked for Sedgwick James and Marsh and McClennan before retiring. He not only took pride in his business, but truly valued the friends he made during his time in business. After retirement he moved to Ocean Isle Beach, NC for a few years but then made Blowing Rock, NC his final resting place.

Marvin loved his Lord and his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years Jean, his daughter Pam Guice (Hal) of Fort Mill SC and his daughter Julie O'Bryan (Jeff) of Blowing Rock, NC. He adored his 4 grandchildren, Andrew and Stephen Guice of Charlotte, NC and Kyle and Katie O'Bryan of Blowing Rock NC. and brother Eddie Bagwell (Kathy) of Greenville, SC.

Marvin had many interests over the years. He was an avid runner and he enjoyed boating and fishing. He was very involved with his church Mt. Vernon. He loved his church and church family. He was known and loved for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was on the board of Hope Pregnancy Center and volunteered with Hebron Ministries in Boone.

A service in celebration of Marvin's life will be held June 29, 2019 at 3:00pm at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 3505 Bamboo Road, Boone NC 28607. Visitation will precede the service at Mt Vernon beginning at 1:30pm.

Our many thanks to the staff of Deerfield Assisted Living and Hospice for the love and care he received.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Pregnancy Center, 208 Howard St, Boone, NC 28607 or Hebron Colony Ministries, 356 Old Turnpike Road.
He was cremated at Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery, Boone, Watauga County, North Carolina.

     Carolyn Jean Penland married Marvin Leon Bagwell, son of Marvin Leon Bagwell Sr. and Mary Alyce Greene, on 19 August 1961 at Greenville, Greenville County, South Carolina.

     Pamela Lynn Bagwell is the daughter of Marvin Leon Bagwell and Carolyn Jean Penland. Pamela Lynn Bagwell married Hal Guice after 1978.

     Hal Guice married Pamela Lynn Bagwell, daughter of Marvin Leon Bagwell and Carolyn Jean Penland, after 1978.

     Julie Bagwell is the daughter of Marvin Leon Bagwell and Carolyn Jean Penland. Julie Bagwell married Jeff O'Bryan after 1978.

     Jeff O'Bryan married Julie Bagwell, daughter of Marvin Leon Bagwell and Carolyn Jean Penland, after 1978.

     Francis Edgar Bagwell is the son of Marvin Leon Bagwell Sr. and Mary Alyce Greene. Francis Edgar Bagwell married Peggy Joe Green on 23 August 1959 at Augusta Road Baptist Church, Columbia, South Carolina. Francis Edgar Bagwell married Kathy (?) after 1960.

     Kathy (?) married Francis Edgar Bagwell, son of Marvin Leon Bagwell Sr. and Mary Alyce Greene, after 1960.

     Johnny Wayne Bagwell was born on 23 May 1953 in Nashville, Arkansas. He was the son of Jack C. Bagwell and Maudie May Lamb. Johnny Wayne Bagwell married Romona Lynn Daniel on 3 March 1992 at Pulaski County, Arkansas. Johnny Wayne Bagwell died on 4 January 2019 at age 65.

     Jerry Lee Bagwell is the son of Jack C. Bagwell and Maudie May Lamb. Jerry Lee Bagwell married Chong-Ae Kim on 20 June 1976 at Pulaski County, Arkansas. Jerry Lee Bagwell married Gloria (?) before 2024.

     Jeffrey Alan Bagwell is the son of Jack C. Bagwell and Maudie May Lamb. Jeffrey Alan Bagwell married Deborah Jeanne Sadler in July 1985. Jeffrey Alan Bagwell and Deborah Jeanne Sadler were divorced on 22 January 1988 at Dallas County, Texas. Jeffrey Alan Bagwell married Kathy (?) before 2024.

     Jimmy Don Bagwell was born on 13 April 1955 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was the son of Jack C. Bagwell and Maudie May Lamb. Jimmy Don Bagwell married Glenda Gail Boyett on 2 November 1973 at Pulaski, Arkansas. Jimmy Don Bagwell lived in 2019 in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. He died on 11 July 2024 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, at age 69

Jimmy Don Bagwell, age 69 of Murfreesboro, Arkansas, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024 in Hot Springs. He was born on April 13, 1955 in Little Rock to the late J.C. Bagwell and Maudie May Lamb Bagwell.

Mr. Bagwell worked both as a mechanic and a welder. He was family of the Church of Christ. He was an avid sportsman, fisherman and hunter.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Bagwell.

Survivors include his two children, Jimmy Don Bagwell, Jr. and Amy Bagwell; two brothers, Jerry (Gloria) Bagwell and Jeffery (Kathy) Bagwell; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Latimer Funeral Home of Murfreesboro.

He was cremated.

     Johnny Wayne Bagwell Jr. was born on 4 August 1972 in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas. He was the son of Johnny Wayne Bagwell. Johnny Wayne Bagwell Jr. married Kristie Lowe on 11 June 1994. Johnny Wayne Bagwell Jr. died on 15 December 2015 in Amana, Iowa County, Iowa, at age 43

Johnny Wayne Bagwell Jr., age 43, of Marengo, IA, formerly of Poplar Bluff, died Tuesday December 15, 2015 at Amana, IA. Johnny was born April 4, 1972 at Little Rock, Arkansas. Mr. Bagwell received his Bachelors of Science degree in Agribusiness from Southeast Missouri State University and was employed at Amana Farms in Amana, Iowa. He enjoyed spending his spare time with his family. On June 11, 1994 he married Kristie Lowe of Corning, AR. She survives. Also surviving are three daughters: Hunter Marie, Lindsey Grace and Johnna Rikkilea all of the home; parents: Rick and Patty Brigance of Poplar Bluff; three brothers: Felton Brigance, Thomas Bagwell and Barry Bagwell all of Poplar Bluff; one sister: Keli Bagwell of Illinois and one grandparent: Roy Blankenship. He was preceded in death by one sister: Shannon Brigance and his grandparents: Felton and Marie Brigance, Juanita Blankenship, Maude Bagwell and Effie Rounsaville. Visitation will begin at 6:00 pm on Monday at White-Sanders Funeral Home in Fisk. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Kevin Murray and Rev. Steve Brigance officiating. Burial will follow in the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery. Condolences: www.whitesandersfuneralhome.com.

He was buried at Poplar Bluff City Cemetery, Popular Bluff, Butler County, Missouri.