John Earl Bagley

Memorial visitation for John Earl Bagley, 86, of Lake Cherokee will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023, from four until six o’clock in the evening at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore. A private family graveside inurnment will be held at a later date at Jacksonville Cemetery. Mr. Bagley completed his earthly journey on November 24, 2023, in Longview, Texas, surrounded by his loving wife and two daughters.

John, fondly known as Johnny to beloved family and friends, was born on July 24, 1937, in Gilmer, Texas to Leta Mae Jackson and George Sim Bagley. After graduating from Jacksonville High School, Johnny continued his education at Tyler Junior College, where he obtained his electricians license. He moved his family to Longview, Tx, where he worked for many years as the general manager for Dealers Electric Wholesale Supply and then Wholesale Electric as their general manager.

Johnny married the love of his life Lynette Moore Bagley on June 15, 1958. He and Lynette shared sixty-five joyful years of marriage, two daughters and countless memories together. Johnny adored his wife, daughters, and grandchildren; they were his greatest source of happiness and strength throughout his life.

Johnny was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Jacksonville, Texas and earned his 32nd Degree in Masonry. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Johnny was a proud winner of the Texas All State Bass Tournament two years in a row. He loved nothing more than being in his boat or in the woods. The time he spent hunting and fishing with family and friends, especially his grandsons, was his most treasured. Over the years Johnny discovered he loved to cook and when Johnny Bagley cooked, people ate. He was known for his deer chili, fried fish and smothered backstrap recipes. His amazing chocolate trifle was enjoyed by the lucky few who managed to get a serving before it disappeared.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years, Lynette Bagley of Lake Cherokee; daughters Melonye Rodgers and Mandy Bagley both of Kilgore, brother Mack Bagley and wife Mary of Jacksonville; brother-in-law Jack Moore and wife Betty of Shawnee, Oklahoma; grandchildren Jake Thompson and wife Sally, Kyle Fyffe and wife Trina, Ashley Galloway and husband Charles, and Jordan Rodgers and partner Cody Kenemore all of Kilgore, Jason Rodgers and partner Carrie Young of Austin, and Lucas Rodgers and wife Robyn of San Antonio; six precious great-grandchildren and numerous extended family members and friends.

Johnny was reunited with his parents Leta Mae and George Sim Bagley and son-in-law JC Rodgers.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice or the American Heart Association located at 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231 or online at www.heart.org

Online condolences may be left at www.RaderFuneralHome.com