John Bagby

John Bagby, 81, of Dalton, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2015 in Antioch CA.

He was the son of the late, Robert and Mary Combee Bagby and was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Bagby.

SMSGT John Fred Bagby (USAF Ret. 1952-1978) enlisted in the US Air Force when it was only five years old. He was hand-picked as a member of the Strategic Air Command, an elite part of America's youngest armed force. He also was assigned to the renowned Mighty Eighth Air Force, known for bringing Nazi Germany to her knees in WW2. During his career he served in the Mediterranean basin including Morocco, Turkey, Greece and Italy. He also served in Germany. On his home tour he was assigned to Tampa Florida, Marietta Georgia, Altus Oklahoma, Enid Oklahoma and Little Rock Arkansas. He was temporarily assigned to Rhode Island as well. During his 27 year career he was awarded two Meritorious Service awards and the Air Force Commendation award.
John Fred was married to Barbara Anne Bearrow Bagby who preceded him in death in 2006. His marriage produced five children, all of whom are have first names of John or Jon.
After retiring from the Air Force he moved back to Dalton and owned several successful businesses including a janitorial service, a gas station and a small engine repair shop. He relocated briefly to Griffin, Georgia and owned six OK Oil convenience stores until an event with his health caused him to return home to Dalton. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and gardener. He loved to cook Lemon cakes and frequently hand delivered them to his friends or new acquaintances. He is most known locally for the cotton candy cones he served on Halloween. He was nicknamed the "Cotton Candy King of Nob Hill" because he served cotton candy to generations of people living in his neighborhood. A private man by nature, he was surprised when the local newspaper ran a story about him. Amazingly he was serving cotton candy to people who received it as children. They now were bringing their grandchildren to his door. John Fred Bagby was a proud and dignified man.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, John Robert and Martha Bagby of Orange Park, FL, John William, Jon Melissa and Michael Michaylo, John Sean and Elvira Bagby all of Dalton and Jon Kimberlee and Tammy Bagby of Antioch; brothers, David and Irma Bagby of Tullahoma, TN and Paul and Joan Bagby of Dalton; sister-in-law, Hattie Bagby of Dalton; 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday February 21, 2015 in the Chapel of Love Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in West Hill Cemetery with full military honors.

The family will receive friends at Love Funeral Home Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Word of comfort may be sent to the family at www.lovefuneralhomega.com.
Love Funeral Home, 1402 N. Thornton Ave., Dalton (across from Hamilton Medical Center) is in charge of arrangements.