Gary Bagwell • March 19, 2023
Gary Douglas Bagwell passed away peacefully in his home on March 19, 2023, at the age of 70.
Gary was born on May 1, 1952, to the parents of Doug Corbett Bagwell and Lois Bagwell, in Winston Salem, North Carolina.
Gary lived in the Pensacola area for approximately 47 years. He graduated from The University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He attended The University of West Florida where he received his Master of Science in Health, and Sports/Physical Education.
Gary played football for the Florida Gators as number 98 from 1972 to 1975. He received the Golden Apple Award and was recognized as the teacher of the year during his 31 years at Pine Forest High and Brown Barge Middle School. During his coaching years at Pine Forest, they were State Champions in 1987 and @National Champions in 1988.
Gary was a man of faith who loved his church family at Cokesbury United Methodist Church. He loved to serve in any way and attended the men’s bible study. He enjoyed many years of his retirement traveling, camping, and spending his time with family. Gary loved and was loved dearly by his family and friends.
Gary is predeceased by his parents Doug Corbett Bagwell and Lois Michael and Stepdad Roy Michael. He is survived by his wife Rita Dunlap Bagwell of 21 years as well as his sons David Bagwell (Sarah), Stanley Dunlap, Steve Dunlap, daughters Tara McCarthy (Jeff), Sharon King (Dave), Susan Ribolla (Steve) and Stacie Hart, brothers Terry Pappas (Teresa), Robert Michael (Tina) and his sisters, Brenda Weaver and Kelly Ross (David). He has 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Family Promise of Escambia County. (familypromiseofescambia.org/donate) or mail a check to Family Promise of Escambia County, 901 E Gadsden Street, Pensacola, FL 32501 or to Paralyzed Veterans of America www.PVA.org/SupportVeterans.
Services for Gary Douglas Bagwell will begin at 10am Saturday April 1, 2023, at Cokesbury United Methodist Church, 5725 N 9th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504.
Pensacola Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, 7433 Pine Forest Road, Pensacola, FL 32526. You may express your condolences online at www.PMGFuneralHome.com.
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I am going to miss you Uncle Gary. Your smile was always my most favorite about you. You always showed joy and love. We love you. Give pawpaw and maw maw a huge hug from all of us down here!
I will miss you big brother. Your smile, laugh,endless sense of humor, positive attitude, caring and compassionate spirit. The wonderful memories growing up. You lived a life full of love and adventure. Always surrounded by family and friends who love you and will miss you. Rejoice with mom and dad and all the grandparents! I love you!
My deepest condolences to the family, may God continue to give you strength at time such as this.
I second the above….What joy radiated from his life! I will never forget his caring smile.
My prayers and condolences to your family. I have enjoyed knowing Gary from PFHS to being Rita Bagwell husband. Both were great friends to my parents and family. Much love and respect.
Rita I send my love and prayers to you and your family. God will give you peace and strength that you need. I wish I was around the corner to with you now . Gary was a wonderful smart man you were so blessed to have each other. You have many happy memories of times you spent together. And you will be with him again. What a wonderful assurance.
I love you ,
Jean Brown
R.I.P. Gary, my condolences to his family.