Henry Edward Bagley

Henry E. “Pete” Bagley, born December 21st , 1934, to Albert L. Bagley, Sr. and Rose Ford Bagley, died July 13th , 2025. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother, Albert L. Bagley, Jr.; and his loving wife of 54 years, LaVerne J. “Cha-Cha” Bagley. He was fondly known among his friends as “Uncle Pete” and “Poppy” to his close family. Mr. Bagley, a Marietta/Cobb resident since 1942, was retired from the U.S. Civil Service at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in December 1994 after forty-two years of service. At the time of his retirement, he was the Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent and Command Chief/Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commander of the 116th Fighter Wing. After four years of duty in the regular Air Force, he joined the Georgia Air National Guard on May 2nd , 1957, as an Air Technician jet engine mechanic, later becoming Aircraft Crew Chief. In 1961, the wing converted from fighter to transport aircraft, and he trained as a Flight Engineer Instructor on C-97 and C-124 aircraft, accumulating seven thousand flight hours during world-wide missions which included Vietnam and most of Asia. When the Wing reverted back to fighter aircraft, he returned to aircraft maintenance, serving as maintenance control, quality control supervisor, Aircraft Field Maintenance Superintendent, and First Sergeant of the 116th CAMS. In 1994, Mr. Bagley retired as a Command Chief Master Sergeant, receiving the Georgia Distinctive Service Medal. His other awards and decorations included twenty-four medals and ribbons, his chief aircrew wings, and master maintenance badge. He was most proud of the nine Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards received by his unit during his last twenty years in the 116th wing. Additionally, while serving his duty with the regular Air Force, he spent 2 years in Korea and Japan, during which he received the second degree (NiDan) black belt in Judo from the Kodokan Institute in Tokyo. Pete was a member of Eastwood Baptist Church, Kennesaw Masonic Lodge #33, the Enlisted Association of the National Guard, the NCO Graduate Association, the American Legion Post #29, and the 40/8. He was a Life Member of the Air Force Sergeants Association. He also served as national vice president for the Association Civilian Technicians during the 1960’s. His volunteer service included the Atlanta Downtown YMCA (judo director), Special Olympics, Eggleston Hospital, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, cancer drives, blood drives, the Dobbins Chapel Foundation, and American Golf Ambassador for various charity drives. Pete is survived by his son, Dr. Brent Bagley; his daughter, Robin (John) Veldsma; and grandson, Harrison E. Veldsma, who was the light in Poppy’s eye. Visitation is Thursday, July 17th at Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home in Downtown Marietta from 4-6 PM. Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 18th at Eastwood Baptist Church at 10:30 AM with reception to immediately follow. Military and burial services will follow at Georgia Memorial Cemetery at 1 PM.

Henry Edward Bagley

December 21, 1934 - July 13, 2025