Walter B. Bagby, Sr. – Metropolitan Funeral

“Lamentations 3: 20 – 26”
On Friday, February 19, 2021, our gracious and faithful God called the name of our loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend bad him COME to Him to received his promised eternal rest. In the morning, at 9:30am, Walter was transformed to the place reserved just for him.

Walter Barron Bagby, Sr., the third eldest of eight children, born to the union of the late Roland Vann and Pinkie Ann Bagby, was born on December 21, 1934 in Norfolk, VA.

Walter received his education in the Norfolk Public School System and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in the Class of 1952. He continued to be an active alumnus of the BTW high school association. With the unwavering support of his devoted Mother and the mentorship and assistance of his Pastor, Rev. C.E. Griffin of First Calvary Baptist Church, Walter enrolled in Shaw University in the fall of 1952.

At Shaw, Walter excelled not only in academics, but was often a featured soloist in the University Chorale Society (he served as its president in his senior year). As a freshman, he joined the newly established Wrestling Team and defeated every CIAA & non-conference opponent during the entire wrestling season.

He earned his undergraduate degree in Mathematics and attributes much of his sustenance and success at Shaw to Ms. Madelyn Watson, his English teacher, who was also his “Mother “away from home.

Following graduation from Shaw, Walt joined the United States Army where he served sixteen months of his two-year tour of duty in Korea. While in the Military, he taught Mathematics and English to enlisted and non-commissioned officers to prepare them from the GED test; along with commissioned officers, in the completion of two years of college through correspondences courses.

Following his discharge from the Army, Walt returned home and taught Mathematics at his alma mater, Booker T. Washington high School, for five years.

Walter married Dorethea Norman in August 1957. Their blissful 63 years of union blessed them with a wonderful son, Walter Barron “Lil Walt” Bagby, Jr. a loving and devoted daughter, Mercedes Bagby, a granddaughter, Alexis DeVose’, and a great-grandson, Qutrell Payton Jr.

Walter joined First Calvary Baptist Church as a young lad and, with his Mother and siblings. While attending services with his family, he became involved in the life of the church. Through the years, he was active in many facets of church life, including Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Chancel Choir Member, and Chairman of the Constitution Revision Committee. Walter served ably and effectively in every ministry in which he participated.
While maintaining his membership and support at First Calvary, Walt also attended and contributed monthly to Grace Episcopal Church, The Historic First Baptist Church, and Mount Herman Baptist Church.

Walter Bagby had a thirst for higher education. His determination motivated him to matriculate at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana as well as George Washington University, in Washington, D.C. during summer months. His tenacity paid off and he subsequently earned his Master’s Degree from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University).
He began his career with the Federal Government in the Department of the Navy as a GS-9, working as a mathematics Instructor. His highest promotion was advancement to GS-15 before retiring in 1993. During employment, Walter Bagby Sr. received the Superior Civilian Award, which was the second highest award that a civilian could achieve at that time.
“Walt”, as most of his friends affectionately called him, was a well-rounded gentleman. One he committed to a task, organization, hobby, etc. gave fully of his time, talents, and treasures to ensure success and enjoyment for all.

He was a Sports Enthusiast; loved to attend and watch football and basketball games, track and field events. His greatest loved was GOLF and he played until he just could not.

The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Lambda Omega Chapter was another love of his life.

His personality and lifestyle exemplified the organization’s motto, “Friendship is Essential to the Soul”, and its “Cardinal Principles” of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, Uplift. He actively chaired the Chapter’s Talent Hunt Committee for many years and delighted in introducing youth to the basics in the game of Golf.

MUSIC AND SINGING were almost synonymous with Walt’s name and history. He loved to sing and was innately blessed with a remarkable vocal gift, that was discovered and nurtured during his early childhood, when he sang in elementary and high school. He loved and appreciated most fervent dedication, however, was reserved for the sacred music genre.

As an offering from the former Chancel Choir, of which he was a charter member, we say “Whether Singing” He looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need”, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”, “It Is Well With My Soul”, “The Seven Last Words of Christ”, “And He Blessed My Soul” , or the “The Official Hymn of Omega Psi Phi”, Walt’s distinctive and melodic tenor voice, like his gentle and loving spirit, always soared, as if on angel wings; uplifting, inspiring, and encouraging those of us blessed to receive his vocal gifts.

He was also a charter member of the I. Sherman Greene Chorale, Inc. He lent his outstanding tenor voice to the Booker T. Washington High School Choir (in his day) and the Booker T. Washington Alumni Choir during its early years.

Our lives have been blessed beyond measure by a wonderful person; one who was wise, resourceful and kind; one whose presence exuded positivity and whose famous axioms…” If I were any better, now that I am talking to you”, or just his brilliant smile, could inspire us and make us feel better.

We remember his legacy that no matter what time of day it is, it is always GOOD MORNING! (WITH A SMILE); A TIME AND MOMENT TO REFRESH, RENEW AND BEGIN AGAIN.

In addition to his parents, Walt was predeceased by his sister, Deloris Bagby James; his brothers, Lloyd Bagby, Roland Bagby, and Raymond Bagby.

Now departed but never forgotten, cherished memories of life with Walter will remain with his loving wife of sixty-three years, Dorethea Norman Bagby; his supportive and devoted son, Walter B. Bagby Jr. (Mercedes); his granddaughter, Alexis DeVose’; great-grandson,  Quetrell Payton Jr.

He will be lovingly remembered by his siblings; brothers, Lionel Bagby (Elouise) and William Bagby (Yvonne); his sisters, Lenora (Ladybug) Alexander, Daisy (Kitty) Bagby, Brenda Bagby and Janet F. (Bunny) Bagby.

He will be sorely missed by a myriad of nieces, nephews, cousins, fraternity brothers, alumnus, long-term neighbors and friends.

SORROW IS NOT FOREVER, LOVE IS.