Celebrating the Life of March 15, 1945—November 29, 2024
Safely Home
I am home in Heaven, dear ones, Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty, In this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed:
I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last.
Did you wonder I so calmly, Trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! but Jesus' love illumined, Every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me, In that way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus' arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still:
Try to look beyond earth's shadows, Pray to trust our Father's Will.
There is work still waiting for you, So you must not idly stand; Do it now, while life remaineth—You shall rest in Jesus' land.
When that work is all completed, He will gently call you home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh, the joy to see you come.
Reverend Donald Robinson, Interim Pastor
Order of Service
Prelude
Organist
Processional
Clergy and Family
Hymn of Praise
Praise Him
Old Testament Scripture
Psalm 100
New Testament Scripture
1 Corinthians 15:50 58
Prayer of Comfort
Hymn of Comfort
Wounded For Me
Acknowledgements
Church Clerk
Hymn of Affirmation
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Meditation
Silent Reading of the Obituary
At the Cross
Ministry of the Word
Reverend, Dr. Frank D. Tucker, Pastor Emeritus
Closing Prayer
Recessional
Lift Him Up
CelebratingHisLife Deacon Leroy Bagley, Sr.
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, Leroy Bagley, Sr. was born on March 15, 1945 in Kenbridge, Virginia to the late William and Hazel Bagley. He was the fourth born of four sisters and one brother.
On November 29, 2024, God embraced His beloved son for his return home to eternal rest.
Leroy attended the public schools in Kenbridge, Virginia (Lunenburg County) and upon the completion of his education, he relocated to the Washington, District of Columbia area, where he met and married the late Patricia Ann Peters on April 25, 1970. Two sons, Leroy Anthony, Jr. and Brian Shenier were born to this union.
Leroy was employed at Walker Distributing Company for four years as a salesman. He joined the Herbert Halperin Distributing Company, which later became the D.P.I. Halperin Distributing Company, in October, 1968. He worked at D.P.I. Halperin Distributing Company for 45 years as an Account Executive. He received numerous plaques, certificates and awards for his outstanding performance skills at this company. He served on the Board of Directors of the Grocery Merchandisers Retailers' Organization for four years which awarded scholarships to high school graduates attending college.
Realizing the need for God early in his life, he joined St. Matthew Baptist Church in Kenbridge, Virginia. He was a member of First Baptist Church for 60 years having joined on March 8, 1964 on his Christian Experience.
Leroy was a member of the Young Adult Choral Club and served on and chaired numerous committees including Men's Day, Homecoming, Revival, Church and Pastor's Anniversary and Leadership Conference, just to name a few. He was in charge of the Radio Ministry, worked with the Bus Ministry and helped to organize and coach the First Baptist basketball team. He served as the Recreational Coordinator for the Sunday School's annual picnic for several years.
Leroy was ordained a Deacon in 1979. He was elected Treasurer of the Board of Deacons in 1982, elected 1st Vice-Chairman on January 12, 1997, Vice-Chairman on January 14, 1998 and Chairman of the Board on January 12, 2001. He trained and was a mentor for newly ordained Deacons. He served as a member of and spiritual advisor for the Circle Ministry (Solomon). He was the coordinator and leader of the Wednesday night prayer service for several years and was very proud that he had a part in maintaining and growing prayer service attendance through the pandemic. He sang in the Church Choir and was the Chairman of the Communications and Informational Technology ministries.
He was FBC’s Elevator Project Chairman that oversaw the installation of the elevator in Ida Clark Hall. Leroy was an Orientation Instructor for new members and a First Baptist Church Hall of Fame recipient fitting recognition for a tireless and faithful servant.
Leroy embraced fully his promise of being a good steward and was, therefore, generous with his time, talent and finances. He became a Tither in 1979 and tithed for years. He often stated that we are saved for service. God expects it and gratitude and love prompts it. He realized early in his life that we are totally dependent on God for all blessings, including life itself, and that good things happen when we express gratitude to God.
Leroy exhibited spiritual and Christian principles in his home, church and community. His gentle and unassuming nature endeared him to all whom his life touched. Whenever a task was set before him he went about his work in a quiet, yet, efficient manner. He exemplified the Fruits of the Spirit...love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness and temperance in his daily living and interaction with his fellowman. He served as a source of encouragement to all who worked with him.
Leroy's endless zeal for life was conveyed in his smile, kind words, friendly manner and big heart. His love for his family and fellowman was great and his generosity and kindness touched each of us in a significant way. We have a rich history of the family through his
photographs and videos. No matter where the family traveled and on every occasion when we gathered, he recorded it for us. The Lord has gained an angel in heaven, but we have lost "our angel" on earth. Rest in peace, dear one. We will see you again one day.
He leaves behind a rich legacy of love, precious memories, joy and an abundance of faith to be cherished by his two sons, Leroy Anthony Bagley, Jr. and Brian Shenier Bagley; Five grandchildren, James Eric, Anthony Brandon, Bria Janneé Patrice, Taylor Nicole, and Alexandra Leigh; one great grandchild, Bryce Ethan; daughters-in-law, Sandra Bagley and Shani Bagley; 3 sisters, Ernestine Durrah, Georgianna Cameron, and Rita Shelton; one sister-in-law, Terri Peters; three brothers-inlaw, Jeffery Anderson, Roderick Peters, and Eric Cameron; two godchildren, Sherida Hicks and Sierra Wilkerson, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends.
"I have finished now with this house of clay. Please kindly and carefully lay it away And let me rest from this life of pain...
Don't cry, don't you know that God knows best?
Please, no sad hearts, no hung down heads. Don't weep for me, for I am not dead. I have another house, you know. Where all of God's children can go. I don't need this house of clay. So, tenderly, carefully lay it away.”
Together Again
A reunion occurred in Heaven this week
Of the sweetest and most joyful kind
As Dad's spirit moved beyond this earth
Released from his mortal life
And what a reunion it must have been!
A joy beyond our conceiving
When Dad met Mom in heaven again
Ending years of dignified grieving
And we are certain Dad is still holding Mom's hand
While she cherishes each moment by his side
And they're experiencing the joy of being together again
Catching up on the years they were denied
We are confident they are also looking over us
Hoping this happiness will lessen our pain
As we contemplate the joy that they finally feel
Now that they are together again
And though we'll miss them terribly
And will long for them with deepest grief
We are reminded that love is more powerful than death
And this knowledge gives us comfort and peace
We can still feel their love surround us
Giving us a desire to continue on
To try our best to live our lives well
In the ways they would have done
Maker of Men
Making a man is not something that can be done directly. While biology sets the foundation, a person's upbringing, social interactions, and life experiences significantly shape their masculinity and how they embody the characteristics associated with being a "man." Boys become men when they are given a healthy environment to learn and mature under the guidance of someone who knows what a man is supposed to be.
Since that is the definition of how to make a man, then there is no need to look any further than Leroy Bagley, Sr., the greatest man we knew.
We are eternally grateful to our father for showing us how to be men and guiding our ascent into manhood. There is no better example of a man than the role model we had.
coached a multitude of our first sports teams. He never missed a game, school play or performance.
Our father talked openly with us about all the challenges, expectations and societal norms that men must deal with. He taught us to be accountable for our actions and decisions and allowed us to explore and develop our own identities and interests.
You can rest easy now because we have it from here.
He taught us to be leaders, not followers, and to be strong and not waver in the face of pressure from outside sources. He taught us to stand by our convictions and be tough enough to stand in the eye of storms that he knew would come our way. He taught us to go out in this world and take what was ours because no one was going to give us anything.
Our father nurtured us, guided us, and disciplined us when we needed it. He talked with us about everything that life was going to throw our way and was there for us in every way possible along our journey to manhood.
One of the first things we saw as children was a role model and example of a man who always demonstrated responsible behavior, had a strong work ethic, showed empathy, understanding and compassion, and always showed respect for others.
Our father put us in the best schools that money could buy and taught us to compete and outwork anyone we competed against. He supported us throughout all our personal growth and social engagement activities and
He taught us to be spiritual and God-fearing men who recognize there is a higher power that is walking with us as we travel this road called life. He prayed with us and for us knowing that a man needs every bit of armor to survive this world daily.
Lastly, he taught us to love ourselves and to love others as Jesus loves us.
So today, your two sons, who you made men want to say...Thank you, Dad. Job Well Done.
You can rest easy now because we have it from here.
Give mom a kiss and big hug from us, and we will do everything in our power to continue to carry on the Bagley legacy.
You can shed tears that I have gone, Or you can smile because I have lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that I will come back, Or you can open your eyes and see all that I have left. Your heart may be empty because you can’t see me, Or you can be full of the love that we have shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow because of yesterday, You can remember me and only that I have gone.
Or you can cherish my memory and let it live on,,
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what I would want, Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
Lovingly,
The sisters Earnestine, Georgianna, and Rita
GUIDING LIGHT
I am so proud to be your Darling Daughter in Law
You had me at "HELLO DARLING". Dad, although saying goodbye is never easy, know that you have always been a pillar of strength and love in our family. You have always been a wonderful father figure to me, and I will never forget the lessons you've taught me. Your guidance and support meant the world to me, It was such an honor to call you 'Dad'. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms and for the countless memories we shared. Even though you are not here with me now, the love we shared remains in my heart always. I'll cherish your kindness and wisdom forever. Until we meet again, Take care Dad.
Your 'Darling Daughter in Law' Sandra
He was more than a father-inlaw he was a kind and generous soul who welcomed me with open arms from the very beginning. Always ready to lend a hand, his wisdom and advice were gifts I came to cherish. He had a way of making every moment brighter, whether through his hearty laughter or his ability to bring people together.
As a granddad, he was simply the best. Alex and all his grandchildren adored him, and he poured endless love and joy into their lives. His dedication and hard-working nature were an inspiration to everyone who knew him.
I will miss him dearly, but I will forever carry his kindness, humor, and love in my heart. His legacy of generosity and strength will live on in all of us.
~Shani
Uncle
A poem for a wonderful Uncle,
One who never really grew old. His smile was made of sunshine And his heart was made of gold. Loving you always Monica and Leilana
The FIRST MAN to love me, teach me, and actually SHOW me what true love really is, always one of my biggest supporters, the absolute BEST GODFATHER/Uncle anyone could possibly ask for. My love for traveling was solely because of you and all of the countless experiences you provided for your “first daughter”, ME!
While I refuse to be selfish, it’s still hard. What’s understood, needs no explanation. I will love you forever, take your rest!
Sierra
He quickly became a close part of our family thru the many years we have known him, sharing all of his wisdom, stories and that big ole smile he greeted everyone with. He was a very kind and generous man with a larger than life spirit, great sense of adventure and travel, an entrepreneurial spirit, full of advice, with an immense love of family (especially his grands), church and his business.
He certainly made an impact on our lives and while he is now resting in the heavens we absolutely believe he has already taken on a leadership role orchestrating amongst the angels. Logan, Patricia, and Theresa Watts
DeaconBagleywasapillarofaFaithfulGodlymanprovidingsupporttoFirstBaptistChurchwheneverhewasneeded.He willbegreatlymissedatFirstBaptistChurch,buthewillalwaysberememberedinmanymembers’heartsforthe great workthathehasdone.ForhisSolomonCircleFamily,wewillmisshimverymuch,butweknowbehindeverygreat faithfulmanthereisGodwholoveshimmuch.
Deacon Leroy Bagley was a key contributor to the First Baptist Church communications department. For years he always made himself available and was the primary communications resource for funerals and other church events. When the choir needed to rehearse in the evenings or on the weekends, Deacon Bagley made himself available to open the church and setup the equipment. Onmanyoccasionshewouldreschedulehis lawnbusinessactivitiesto supporttheneedsoftheFirst BaptistChurchcommunicationdepartment. Heopened the doors, set up the microphones, operated the control board and made recommendations for improving the communicationexperience.
We thank God for Deacon Bagley’s commitment and dedication to the FBC Communication Ministry. He will foreverremaininourhearts.
“Deep in our heart, a memory is kept of one we loved and shall not forget.”
SisterDeborahMcKethan,President AltarGuild
Pallbearers
Brandon Anthony Bagley
Brian Bagley
James Bagley
Leroy Anthony Bagley, Jr.
Petey Bagley
Roderick Peters
Thanks & Acknowledgements
The family of Leroy Bagley, Sr. wishes to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of you for your calls, cards, flowers, food, gifts, kind words, prayers and all your expressions of love and sympathy. Friends are needed in times like these. In times like these, your love and concern comforts us.
In times like these, your prayers thoughts and assistance give us consolation and strength.
Interment
Immediately Following Service
Fort Lincoln Cemetery 3401 Bladensburg Road Brentwood, MD
Repast
The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church (Ida Clark Hall) immediately following the Interment.
Arrangements Entrusted to:
Marshall–March Funeral Home 4217 9th Street, NW Washington, DC.
A digital copy of this program book is available at www.leroybagley.com, where you are also welcome to share your memories, condolences, pictures, tributes, and reflections.
