Person Page - 833

     Wilma Lee Bagwell was born on 9 March 1926 in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee. She was the daughter of William Henry Bagwell II and Anna Louise Ragan. As of after 1946,her married name was Rooker. Wilma Lee Bagwell married Orbon Kennamer Rooker after 1946. Wilma Lee Bagwell died on 22 February 2002 in Madison, Davidson County, Tennessee, at age 75.

     Orbon Kennamer Rooker was born on 4 September 1922. He married Wilma Lee Bagwell, daughter of William Henry Bagwell II and Anna Louise Ragan, after 1946. Orbon Kennamer Rooker died on 27 February 2002 at age 79. He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Goodlettsville, Davidson County, Tennessee.

     William Joseph Bagwell was also known as Billy Joe Bagwell. He was born on 28 November 1926 in Choudrant, Lincoln Parish, Louisiana. He was the son of William Mallory Bagwell and Carrie Velma O'Neal.¹ He was in the US Army in a US Tank Battalion (for 21 months). William Joseph Bagwell married Joyce Denton after 1956. William Joseph Bagwell lived in 2019 in Homer, Louisiana. He died on 18 June 2023 in Homer, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, at age 96


William "Billy Joe" Bagwell


Funeral services will be held for Mr. William Joseph “Billy Joe” Bagwell, age 96, at First Presbyterian Church in Homer, LA, on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. John McClelland, officiating. Interment will be at Sibley Cemetery, 2091 LA 145, Choudrant, LA, with Rev. Marcelle Crow, officatiug. Visitation will be at the church from 1-2 p.m., prior to the service.



Billy Joe was born November 28, 1926, in Choudrant, LA, to Willie Mallory Bagwell and Velma O’Neal Bagwell. He entered into rest on Sunday, June 18, 2023, in Homer, LA. After graduating high school, Billy Joe attended Louisiana Polytechnic Institute, i.e., Louisiana Tech before being drafted in the Army. He served the country he loved in the US Army during WWII and was proud of the Red, White, and Blue that represented the flag and Louisiana Tech baseball. After being discharged from the Army, he returned to LA Tech where he was a member of their baseball team. Billy Joe left LA Tech to play in Minor League baseball from 1948-1956. November of 1956, Billy Joe met the love of his life, Joyce Denton Shirey who was a widow with two daughters. They got married shortly after and were married for over 56 years. Billy Joe enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing golf, and attending church. He was a member of MCAT, the Men Christian Action Team, of Claiborne Parish which is a multi-denominational organization that builds ramps for handicap individuals. He adored his church and church family at First Presbyterian Church. Billy Joe was the neighbor who welcomed everyone in his neighborhood in the Lakeview Drive area of Lake Claiborne to make sure they felt like family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be greatly missed by all.



He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Joyce Denton Bagwell; two brothers, Robert J. “Bobby Jack” Bagwell and wife Ruby, and Bruce Benson Bagwell; and two sisters, Alistine Simmons and husband Phil, and Mary Grace Ormond and husband Billy.



He is survived by his two daughters, Theresa Barnett and husband Larry and Marilyn Griffin and husband Jimmy; five grandchildren, Jennifer Barnett, Allison Barnett, James Jacob Griffin and wife Tamra, William Joseph Griffin, John Hudson Griffin and wife Nina; four great-grandchildren, Tripp Jameson Griffin, Finn Wilder Griffin, Rhett Maxwell Griffin, and Jackson Gray Griffin; sister-in-law, Mary Eva Womack Bagwell; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.



Billy Joe’s family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Sam Abshire and wife Camille, the staff at Presbyterian Village, and Bristol Hospice for the care and compassion given him during his final days.



Pallbearers will be John Griffin, Joey Griffin, Gary Denton, Gary Tom Denton, Neil Newman, and Lane Newman.



Honorary pallbearers will be MCAT members.



In lieu of flowers honoring Billy Joe, his family suggests memorials be made to MCAT of Claiborne Parish, 529 Colman Road, Homer, LA, First Presbyterian Church of Homer or donor’s choice.


He was buried on 24 June 2023 at Sibley Cemetery, Choudrant, Lincoln Parish, Louisiana.

     Bruce Benson Bagwell was born on 16 September 1937 in Choudrant, Lincoln Parish, Louisiana. He was the son of William Mallory Bagwell and Carrie Velma O'Neal.¹ Bruce Benson Bagwell married Mary Eva Womack on 6 March 1966 at Oak Grove, Louisiana. Bruce Benson Bagwell lived from 1990 to 2020 in Delhi, Louisiana. He died on 20 April 2022 in Monroe, Louisiana, at age 84


Bruce Benson Bagwell of Delhi, Louisiana, passed away in Monroe, Louisiana, on April 20, 2022. He was born September 16, 1937, in Choudrant, Louisiana, the fifth child of Willie M. and Velma O’Neal Bagwell.

He graduated from Choudrant High School in 1955 and Louisiana Tech in 1960. Bagwell served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1964. He worked in the retailing, banking, and manufacturing industries and retired from the Richland Parish Council on Aging as Director in 2000. Most recently, he worked part-time in the operations of the District Office of State Representative Francis C. Thompson.

Bruce was an active member of the Delhi United Methodist Church, serving it in many ways as a Sunday School teacher, chairman of the Administrative Council, member of the chancel choir, and bookkeeper. He enjoyed being involved with community and regional organizations such as the Original Richland Library Restoration Society, the Richland Parish Library Board, the Northeast Louisiana Livestock Show, the Northeast LA Private Industry Council, the Delhi Lions Club, and the Delhi Jaycees.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Alistine Bagwell Simmons and Mary Grace Bagwell Ormond, and brother, Robert J. Bagwell.

He is survived by his brother, William J. Bagwell of Homer, Louisiana; two children, Dorothy Bagwell Durband and husband Arthur of Lubbock, Texas, and Benson Womack Bagwell and Cherie McKeithen Bagwell; and grandson Benjamin Aaron Bagwell of Jonesboro, Louisiana. He was married to Mary Eva Womack Bagwell, originally of Oak Grove, Louisiana, for 24 years.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 27th, 2022, at the Delhi United Methodist Church. A memorial gathering will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the church fellowship hall. His final resting place will be in the North Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Rayville. A family ceremony will be held at a later date.

The family expresses their gratitude to the nurses and staff who provided care at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, Louisiana.


He was buried at Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Rayville, Richland Parish, Louisiana.

     Wanda Retha Sibley married William Robert Bagwell, son of Robert Jackson “Bobby Jack” Bagwell and Ruby McNair, on 15 August 1975 at Louisiana.

     Tanner L. Bagwell was born on 22 August 1973.¹ He was the son of Robert L. Bagwell and Nellie May Hutchins.¹ Tanner L. Bagwell married Jessie Jarvies on 17 March 1998.¹ Tanner L. Bagwell died on 31 October 2020 at age 47


Tanner L. Bagwell, loving husband, dad, uncle, son, brother, cousin, nephew, and friend, went home to be with his Father in Heaven on October 31, 2020. He departed this life peacefully with his loving wife and parents by his side after a month-long illness.

Tanner was born on August 22, 1973 to Robert & Nellie May (Hutchins) Bagwell. He is the sixth in a family of eight children and is deeply loved by his parents, siblings, and all who came to know him. He will be greatly missed. Tanner had a wonderful childhood working with his Dad, Mom, and brothers on the family farm and ranch, going on mountain adventures with his cousins, and enjoying friends while attending school in Manassa and at Centauri. Tanner had a wonderful personality and was always making people laugh. Tanner served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Mexico – Mexico City South Mission, leaving the same day as his birthday-buddy and close cousin, Clinton Huffaker. After his mission he attended and graduated from Adams State College.

Tanner was married and sealed in the Denver Colorado Temple to the love of his life, Jessie Jarvies, on March 17, 1998. God blessed their lives with three wonderful children, Reanna, Logan, and Conner. They became his best help on the family farm, he taught them well. He dearly loves his children and loved teasing them. Whether it was working together on the farm, going to the mountains, or just going for a drive, they found joy in just being together.

Tanner was highly active in his church and community. He served in many callings, including being Bishop of Manassa First Ward. He was a great man and enjoyed each calling he had, knowing it was service to his fellow men and to his Savior Jesus Christ.

Tanner is survived by his wife and children, his parents, and his mother-in-law, Ann Jarvies (Ron) Hartman. He is also survived by his siblings by birth and marriage: Anthony (JoAnn) Bagwell, Cindy (Brian) Jackson, Wendy (Larry) Helms, Natalie (Alan) Taylor, Leslie (Brian) Bechaver, Tyson (Brenda) Bagwell, Brandon (Michelle) Bagwell, Kirk (Shannon) Jarvies, Clinton Jarvies, Mitchell (Kristi) Jarvies, Natalie (Jim) Paine, Callie (Dave) Jensen, Rachel (Glenn) Barr, Andrew (Amber) Jarvies, April (Adam) Robins, and Donald (Ashley) Jarvies. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, and extended family. Tanner was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Bruce Jarvies, and by his grandparents, LaVere and Dola (White) Bagwell, Troy and Winona (Schofield) Hutchins.

Graveside services for Tanner L. Bagwell will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Manassa Cemetery.

Tanner has dearly loved his wife and children, Bagwell and Jarvies families, huge extended family, farm and ranch, his home, his cattle and dog, his ward, and community. Many will miss great conversations with Tanner, his kindness, incredible laugh, strong opinions, quick wit, and great sense of humor. Tanner’s strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ was reflected in all that he did. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7.¹


He was buried at New Manassa Cemetery, Manassa, Conejos County, Colorado.¹

     Jessie Jarvies married Tanner L. Bagwell, son of Robert L. Bagwell and Nellie May Hutchins, on 17 March 1998.¹

     Conner Bagwell is the son of Tanner L. Bagwell and Jessie Jarvies.¹

     Logan Bagwell is the son of Tanner L. Bagwell and Jessie Jarvies.¹

     Reanna Bagwell is the daughter of Tanner L. Bagwell and Jessie Jarvies.¹

     Anthony Robert Bagwell is the son of LaVere Norland Bagwell and Mary Dola White. Anthony Robert Bagwell married JoAnn (?) after 1993.

     JoAnn (?) married Anthony Robert Bagwell, son of LaVere Norland Bagwell and Mary Dola White, after 1993.

     Tyson Bagwell is the son of Robert L. Bagwell and Nellie May Hutchins.

     Brandon Troy Bagwell is the son of Robert L. Bagwell and Nellie May Hutchins. Brandon Troy Bagwell married Michelle (?) after 1993.

     Michelle (?) married Brandon Troy Bagwell, son of Robert L. Bagwell and Nellie May Hutchins, after 1993.

     Wendy Bagwell is the daughter of Robert L. Bagwell and Nellie May Hutchins. Wendy Bagwell married Larry Helms on 29 April 1987.

     Larry Helms married Wendy Bagwell, daughter of Robert L. Bagwell and Nellie May Hutchins, on 29 April 1987.

     Cindy R. Bagwell is the daughter of Robert L. Bagwell and Nellie May Hutchins.¹ Cindy R. Bagwell married Brian Jackson after 1976.

     Brian Jackson married Cindy R. Bagwell, daughter of Robert L. Bagwell and Nellie May Hutchins, after 1976.

     Leslie Marie Bagwell was born on 30 January 1981.¹ She was the daughter of Robert Edward Bagwell and Patrice Andre Willett. Leslie Marie Bagwell died on 15 May 2013 in Accomack County, Virginia, at age 32


Ms. Leslie Marie Bagwell, 32, a resident of Leemont, VA, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2013. Born January 30, 1981, she was the daughter of Patrice Willett Wallace and husband, Lowell, of Leemont, and Buster Bagwell of Eastville, VA; and a beloved granddaughter of Meta Willett of Leemont, and the late Nathaniel "Nate" Willett.

In addition to her parents and grandmother, she leaves behind her daughter, Maya Jasmine Bagwell; a sister, Gracie Wallace, both of Leemont; a half-brother, Ryan Bagwell of Girdletree, MD; a step-sister, Megan Wallace of Bloxom, VA; five aunts, Vicky Curtis, Tammy Willett, Sherri Glovier, Roberta Jennestreet and Terry Carver; one uncle, Billy Bagwell; and several cousins.

Leslie will forever be remembered for her free spirit, kind heartedness, and her unique ability to make everyone feel happy. There was never a time that you would see her that she didn't have a beautiful smile on her face and a shoulder on which to lean. Her greatest passions in life were music and art. You could often find her listening to her favorite ‘Phish' album while creating one of her many pieces of jewelry or artwork. Although she is no longer here with us, her memory will live on, and her spirit will forever shine through her sweet baby girl, Maya.

A celebration of Leslie's life will be conducted from the graveside at the Parksley Cemetery on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.¹


She was buried at Parksley Cemetery, Parksley, Accomack County, Virginia.¹

     Maya Jasmine Bagwell is the daughter of Leslie Marie Bagwell.

     Ryan Bagwell is the son of Robert Edward Bagwell and Amy Carol Belote.

     Thomas Lee Bagwell lived in Parksley, Virginia. He was born on 15 December 1978 in Northampton County, Virginia. He married Monica Lee Cummings on 14 September 2002 at Accomack County, Virginia. Thomas Lee Bagwell married Stephanie Lynn Colona on 1 October 2011 at Accomack County, Virginia.

     Stephanie Lynn Colona married Thomas Lee Bagwell on 1 October 2011 at Accomack County, Virginia.

     Monica Lee Cummings was born on 12 November 1981 in Norfolk, Norfolk City, Virginia.¹ As of 14 September 2002,her married name was Bagwell. She married Thomas Lee Bagwell on 14 September 2002 at Accomack County, Virginia. Monica Lee Cummings died on 28 February 2003 in Hallwood, Virginia, at age 21.¹ She was buried on 5 March 2003 at Parksley Cemetery, Parksley, Accomack County, Virginia.¹

     Marian Lee Bagwell is the daughter of Phillip Drummond Bagwell and Rosa Lee Walker. Marian Lee Bagwell married Kevin Wayne Moore on 30 December 1993 at Accomack County, Virginia.

     Kevin Wayne Moore married Marian Lee Bagwell, daughter of Phillip Drummond Bagwell and Rosa Lee Walker, on 30 December 1993 at Accomack County, Virginia.

     Linda Dryden Bagwell was born on 5 December 1947 in Nassawadox, Northampton County, Virginia. She was the daughter of Isaiah William Bagwell III and Anne Virginia Nelson. As of 8 June 1968,her married name was Custis. Linda Dryden Bagwell married Henry Powell Custis Jr. on 8 June 1968 at Onancock, Accomack County, Virginia. Linda Dryden Bagwell married Henry Powell Custis Jr. on 8 June 1968 at Accomack County, Virginia. Linda Dryden Bagwell died on 22 November 2025 in Onancock, Accomack County, Virginia, at age 77

Linda Bagwell Custis, 77, of Onancock, Virginia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her daughters, on November 22, 2025.

A native and lifelong resident of the Eastern Shore, Linda was the eldest daughter of Anne Nelson Bagwell and Isaiah William Bagwell III. Linda was born on December 5, 1947 and graduated from Onancock High School in 1966. During her high school years, she began dating Henry Powell Custis, Jr., who lived just around the corner from her. They dated through much of high school and while she attended Peace College in Raleigh, North Carolina, before marrying in 1968. After spending the first couple of years of marriage in Richmond, while Henry attended law school, they returned to Onancock.

In 1970, Henry and Linda purchased their home on Onancock Creek, Meadville. For more than 50 years, Linda devoted herself to her family and the restoration and preservation of the 19th century home and surrounding property. An avid and devoted gardener, she spent countless hours tending to her yard and gardens, transforming it into a place of beauty and peace. Following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, Linda was also a longtime member of the Garden Club of the Eastern Shore. She was proud to open Meadville and welcome visitors on two different occasions for the annual Historic Garden Week tour of homes. Her talents extended well beyond her own gardens—she was an accomplished floral arranger who competed in and won ribbons in several state and local competitions on behalf of her Garden Club. Linda was also deeply devoted to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. She was an active member for decades, serving on the vestry and leading the altar guild for many years.

Linda enjoyed life’s simple pleasures and was happiest tending her garden, riding out the creek with Henry on the boat, or enjoying a lazy day at the beach. She loved sharing adventures with her daughters, traveling to the cities they called home and getting to know their friends. She especially cherished her role as “Lindy” to her three grandchildren. A gracious and welcoming hostess, Linda loved having friends and newcomers down to the house, often gathering for evening cocktails and lively conversation on the porch. Her presence brightened every room, and her thoughtful, gentle nature touched the lives of all who knew her.

Linda was the embodiment of grace, kindness and poise. In more recent years, as she struggled with a debilitating illness, she met it with courage and dignity, sustained by a profound gratitude for the blessings of a loving family, dear friends, and a supportive Eastern Shore community. Her bravery and positive outlook in the face of adversity have been an inspiration to her family.

Linda was predeceased by her parents and by Henry, her husband of 57 years. She is survived by her daughters, Anne Taylor Custis of Atlanta, Georgia and Nell Custis Mitchell (Bill) of Atlanta, Georgia, and her grandchildren, Henry S. Mitchell, Lucy C. Mitchell, and Lillian N. Custis. She is also survived by her sister, Jean B. Styer (Bruce), sister-in-law, Claudia T. Bagwell, brother-in-law, William S. Custis (Lola), and their families.

A graveside funeral service will be held at Fairview Lawn Cemetery, on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., with The Very Rev. Churchill G. Pinder officiating. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be moved to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Onancock. Any changes to service location will posted on the Williams Funeral Home website.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society (Ker Place), P.O. Box 179, Onancock, Virginia 23417 (www.shorehistory.org/donate-1).

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.

She was buried on 10 January 2026 at Fairview Lawn Cemetery, Onancock, Accomack County, Virginia.

     Henry Powell Custis Jr. was born on 24 June 1945 in Baltimore, Maryland. He married Linda Dryden Bagwell, daughter of Isaiah William Bagwell III and Anne Virginia Nelson, on 8 June 1968 at Onancock, Accomack County, Virginia. Henry Powell Custis Jr. married Linda Dryden Bagwell, daughter of Isaiah William Bagwell III and Anne Virginia Nelson, on 8 June 1968 at Accomack County, Virginia. Henry Powell Custis Jr. died on 24 October 2025 at age 80


Henry Powell Custis, Jr., 80, of Onancock, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025. Born on June 24, 1945 in Baltimore, MD, he was the eldest son of Josephine Zimmerman Custis and Henry “Powell” Custis.

A lifelong resident of the Eastern Shore, he graduated from Onancock High School in 1963 and went on to attend Hampden-Sydney College, earning his degree in 1967. He was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity and was proud to have served as President during his senior year. His alma mater, and the friends made there, were an important part of his life.

Henry and his wife, Linda Bagwell Custis, both grew up in Onancock around the corner from one another. Though their families had known each other for years, Henry first truly noticed Linda one winter day while ice skating on Nelson’s Pond. They had their first date when Linda was 15 and married in June 1968. After earning his law degree from the University of Richmond, they returned to Onancock.

Henry began practicing law in 1970 with the firm of Ayres & Hartnett, before then partnering with friends to establish Tyler, Custis, Lewis & Dix. Over the next 50 years, he built a respected legal career that was one of his greatest joys. Proud to be a small-town lawyer, Henry earned a reputation for his tireless work ethic, practical problem-solving, and unwavering integrity.

Henry was an active member of the Virginia State Bar and participated on numerous committees. In 2000, he was named a Fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation – an honor reserved for judges and attorneys who exemplify integrity, character, and excellence in both their profession and their community. In 2023, he received the Tradition of Excellence Award from the VSB honoring his lifelong commitment to the faithful practice of law.

Henry’s love and commitment to the Eastern Shore community ran deep as evidenced by his civic involvement. He was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, served as President of the Accomack County chapters of the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association, served as Chairman of the Board for both Shore Bank and the Bank of Hampton Roads, and was particularly proud of his role as a charter board member of the Eastern Shore Community Foundation.

Henry held local board positions with Shore Memorial Hospital, the Eastern Shore Historical Society, the Eastern Shore Yacht and Country Club, the Eastern Shore YMCA and Broadwater Academy. Beyond the Shore, Henry served on the Boards of Trustees for Hampden-Sydney College and St. Timothy’s School.

Henry was happiest amongst friends and family. He loved spending a long day at the beach, working in his yard, or ending a summer evening with a cocktail in hand as he and Linda rode out the creek. His genuine warmth and easy connection with others – always with a twinkle in his eye – were what people loved most about him.

Henry was predeceased by his parents, Powell and Josephine Custis. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda, his daughters, Anne Taylor Custis of Atlanta, Georgia and Nell Custis Mitchell (Bill) of Atlanta, Georgia, and his grandchildren, Henry S. Mitchell, Lucy C. Mitchell, and Lillian N. Custis. He is also survived by his brother, William S. Custis (Lola), and sisters-in-law, Claudia T. Bagwell and Jean B. Styer (Bruce), as well as their families.

A memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 66 Market Street in Onancock, on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., with The Very Rev. Churchill G. Pinder officiating. The family will gather for private interment at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation, Attn: Monika Bridgforth, P. O. Box 205, Onley, Virginia 23418 (www.esvcf.org/donate) or to Hampden-Sydney College, Attn: The Office of College Advancement, P.O. Box 637, Hampden Sydney, VA 23943 (www.hsc.edu/).


He was buried on 14 November 2025 at Fairview Lawn Cemetery, Onancock, Accomack County, Virginia.

     Isaiah William Bagwell IV was born on 30 December 1948 in Northampton County, Virginia. He was the son of Isaiah William Bagwell III and Anne Virginia Nelson. Isaiah William Bagwell IV married Claudia Mears Turner on 12 November 1977 at Northampton County, Virginia. Isaiah William Bagwell IV died on 11 July 2024 in Onancock, Accomack County, Virginia, at age 75

Isaiah William Bagwell IV died July 11, 2024.

A native and life-long resident of the Eastern Shore, Bill, 75, was the son of Isaiah William Bagwell III and Anne Nelson Bagwell.

He grew up in Onancock, Virginia, where his love of boating, inherited from his father and grandfather, began. From small boats in Onancock Creek, to larger boats in the Chesapeake Bay, it was the joy of his life. He made more than a dozen trips down the Intracoastal Waterway, traveling to Florida, Charleston and the Abaco Islands, and exploring northward in the Atlantic to New Jersey and New York.

Bill was proud of being a direct descendant of Henry Bagwell, who was on the Sea Venture when it wrecked on Bermuda in 1609. Henry Bagwell later settled on the Eastern Shore, becoming the first Clerk of Court of Northampton County. In line with his interest in family genealogy, Bill appreciated being able to live in Mount Prospect, a historic home built by his great-grandparents.

Bill treasured his many lifelong friends, making new friends, and a good laugh. He was always the last to leave a party. He loved rock ‘n roll, attending a Rolling Stones concert (his eighth) in June. Other interests included the Yankees, traveling, and Eastern Shore history.

Bill attended Onancock High School and graduated from Woodberry Forest School. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, where he was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity.

Bill began his professional career working with his father at Bagwell Oil Company, a heating oil and gasoline business started by his grandfather in 1915. In his more than 35 years with the company, he grew its footprint by adding new products and services, including propane and a service department; creating Corner Mart, a chain of 10 convenience stores; and purchasing Davis Oil Company, Nordstrom Oil Company, Cape Charles Oil Company, and Fulcher and Martin Oil Company. When he retired and sold the business in 2013, it was the oldest continuously operating business in Onancock, just shy of 100 years.

Bill was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Claudia Turner Bagwell, and his two children, Anna Bagwell Burger and her husband Ray Burger of Onancock, and Isaiah William “Thomas” Bagwell V and his wife Alex Bagwell of Deerfield Beach, Florida; three grandsons, Edward Burger, Cecil Burger and William Bagwell; and two sisters, Linda Bagwell Custis and her husband, Henry, and Jean Bagwell Styer and her husband, Bruce, and their families.

A graveside service will be held at Fairview Lawn Cemetery on Saturday, August 24 at 4 p.m. A reception will follow at Ker Place in Onancock.

He was buried on 24 August 2024 at Fairview Lawn Cemetery, Onancock, Accomack County, Virginia.