Willie Bagwell

Willie Gene Bagwell, age 87, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Twin Rivers Health and Rehabilitation Center in Arkadelphia.  He was born November 9, 1937, in Pike County, the son of the late Clarence and Maudie Fagan Bagwell.  

Willie served in the Army National Guard.  He worked in retail sales during his career at Sterling Stores, Magic Mart, Arkadelphia Millworks and Daily Lumber Company.  Willie was a member of Mt. Bethel Baptist Church.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his free time.  

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Janette Bagwell, one granddaughter, Baylee Bagwell, three brothers, Robert Bagwell, Jr., Billy Ray Bagwell, and Bennie Faye Bagwell,  three sisters, Evelyn Plum, Louise Keith, and Pauline Turner. 

Survivors are one daughter, Diane Runyan (Phillip) of Arkadelphia, two sons, Col. Randy Bagwell (Karen) of Alexandria, VA and Brian Bagwell (Jennifer) of Arkadelphia, seven grandchildren, Heather Runyan, Brad Runyan (Jenine),  Alex Breitler (Greg), Becca Griffith, Colby Bagwell (Rory), Brett Bagwell (Mallory) and Skylar Bagwell and four great-grandchildren, Madison, Jackson, Dawson and Easton, one sister, Christene Belin of El Dorado and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 PM Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Welch Funeral Home with Bro. Johnny McAnally and Bro. Brett Bagwell officiating.

Visitation will be from 1:30 to 2:30 Wednesday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Colby Bagwell, Brett Bagwell, Brad Runyan, Phillip Runyan, Randy Bagwell and Brian Bagwell.

Honorary pallbearers are David Turner, Rusty Burks and Kenny Humphries.

Memorials may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.  Visit http://www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.