William Clinton Hagwood

Mr. William “Bill” Clinton Hagwood, 91, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 11, 2023.

Bill was born on April 17, 1932, in Franklinton, NC and was the second born son of the late Marvin Bernard Hagwood and Mary Luna Preddy Hagwood.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Marvin Hagwood.

After his graduation from Franklinton High School in 1951 he left to serve in the US Navy during the Korean War and obtained the rank of Petty Officer First Class (SK1). In 1955 he was released from the regular navy and was reassigned to the US Naval Reserve with headquarters in Charleston, SC until 1959. 

During this time, he went to work in Raleigh at the NC Department of Transportation in the Bridge Design Department.  After 36 years at NCDOT he retired as Director of the Overweight and Oversize Permit Department. Bill was a former member of the Franklinton City School Board and served as its Vice Chairman for 4 years.  He also served as President of the Franklinton Elementary School P.T.A.

Bill was a Korean War Veteran in the Naval Amphibious Forces and was involved in 3 combat invasions on both the east and west coasts of Korea while serving on the LST-1090 from 1951-1955.  In 1953 he was involved in Operation Little Switch and Operation Big Switch, both Prisoner of War Exchanges, during and after the truce was signed ending the war.  He earned the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, the Korea Service Medal with 2 bronze Battle Stars and the Navy Good Conduct Medal.  He also earned the Navy’s Combat Action Ribbon along with 15 other Commemorative Medals and Ribbons.

After serving for 8 years active and reserve time he became very active in the Local American Legion Post 52 where he was a member for many years.  There he served as Interim Adjutant, Assistant Adjutant, Post Finance Officer and Post Historian.  He also served on many post committees and was named Post 52’s Legionnaire of the Year in 1995.  He was also a member of Voiture 1174 of the 40 & 8 where he once served as its Aumonier.

Bill accepted Christ and became a member of Franklinton Baptist Church in 1944 where he sang in the church choir while in high school.  When he returned to Franklinton in 1955, he resumed singing in the choir.

He also served his church as Deacon, being its Chairman and Vice Chairman for 2 years. Bill served as Sunday School Teacher in the Youth and Children’s Department while serving as Director of the Youth Department for many years.  In later years he taught the Bill Pearce Adult Men’s Sunday School Class.  He served 3 years as Church Treasurer as well as serving on many other church committees.

Bill is survived by his wife and best friend of 66 years, Sarah Murray Hagwood of Franklinton; his sons, Mark Hagwood and wife Karen of Durham, Rodney Hagwood of Franklinton; his 5 grandchildren, Sarah Beth Basnight (Phillip) of Oxford, Caleb Hagwood of Durham, Jackson Hagwood (Cassidy) of Durham, Katie Hagwood of Henderson, Connor Hagwood (Hannah) of Hillsborough; His 3 great-grandchildren, Phillip Basnight, Jr., William Basnight of Oxford, and Zachary Fitzgibbons of Henderson; Bill was also looking forward to welcoming another great-grandchild in October; Two nieces, Connie Paul of Tampa, FL, and Laurie Ann McFarland (Terry) of Youngsville; and nephew, Dean Hagwood (Jane) of Youngsville.

Bill will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  He was a historian on many subjects.  He was proud to serve his country.  He loved his church family.  He was a friend to all, and he will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m., Sunday, July 16, 2023 at Franklinton Baptist Church with a Memorial Service following at 4:00 p.m. Officiating will be Rev. David Averette and Dr. DuPre Sanders.

The family would like to thank the hospice staff with Promedica for their care and support during Bill’s illness and the many friends and family that called, visited, sent cards, and brought food.  Your kindness is greatly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Franklinton Baptist Church, 102 W. Mason Street, Franklinton, NC  27525.