WILLIAM CECIL BAGNAL

William Cecil Bagnal, 84, met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, at McLeod Hospice House in Florence.

He was a lifetime member of Westside Baptist Church in Sumter. He visited other churches later in life. He was the husband of the late Peggy L. Haley Bagnal and a son of the late Belton and Bessie Bagnal.

He was preceded in death by his fur babies, Panzer, Chin Ho, Mandy and Sugar Plum.

Surviving are his sister-in-law, Marie "Sweet Marie" Haley-Bernsen and her husband, Charles Bernsen; a sister-in-law, Bernice Haley (the late J.P. Haley); seven nieces and nephews; and two very special friends, Thomas Atkins and Bruce Brabham.

Cecil was a devoted son, devoted husband, humble, honorable man and loyal friend. He was a true Southern gentleman. Cecil grew up all over South Carolina. He attended McClenaghan High School in Florence. He settled with his parents in Sumter and enlisted in the Navy from 1959 to 1963. He was an airship specialist and his fondest memories are of his stay at Lakehurst Naval Base in New Jersey. He was an employee of Fort Roofing and Sheet Metal Works for 45 years, where he was loved and highly respected and where he literally whistled while he worked.

He loved America. He loved race cars and Elvis more than anything. He had a passion for history, farming, the stars, westerns and cathead biscuits. He started every day with a piping hot cup of black coffee, pressed jeans and a starched shirt. He had a quick wit, was the funniest guy and will be missed by all who knew him. He lived his later life in Manning.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery in Sumter with Pastor Paul Goff officiating. His family will receive friends after the service.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com.

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.