A Life Story

Ernest Eugene Bagley, Jr 81, a servant of God and devoted family man, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease departed this earthly life on May 20, 2026 in Savannah, Georgia. He was the son of the late Ernest Eugene Bagley, Sr. and Kathleen Cannon Bagley. Ernie was born in Alma, Georgia on December 17 th , 1944. He graduated from Glynn Academy High School and attended Georgia State College, but was a huge fan of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. He joined the United States Air Force and in April 1968 he was awarded the 381st Strategic Missile Wing Maintenance Man of the Month. While in the USAF he became a Nuclear Weapons Specialist, obtaining the rank of Sergeant. He was a faithful member of Southside Baptist Church. Ernie was a valuable member of AMBUCS, being awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding work with the Handicapped Bowlers for 1979-1980 and then a year later received a plaque for AMBUC of the Year. He was a Master Carpenter and eventually retired from the David Haynes Construction Company. He was preceded in death by Sister, Jean Potter. Sister, Mary Corley, Brother Larry Bagley and Great Nephew Samuel Griffin Hoshlyk. Ernie is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Jo (Lightsey) Bagley, Daughter Allison Paige Rickman and Grand-Daughters Lily Paige Rickman and Emma Caroline Rickman. He is also survived by several Nieces and Nephews. Ernie loved his pets and is also survived by Black Lab, Wilson and feline, Ellie. The family will receive friends 11 o'clock until 12 noon Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Southside Baptist Church, 5502 Skidaway Road, Savannah. Funeral services will follow at 12 noon. Burial, with military honors, will be in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Savannah. Pallbearers: J.R. Millison, Steve Hugunin, Seth Shellhamer, Jimmy Anestos, Matt Bliss, Bobby Prouse and Honorary Pallbearer Eddie Shellhamer.