William Bulis BagwellOld Fort - William Bulis Bagwell, age 78, of Old Fort, passed away peacefully at the Hospice House of Burke Hospice and Palliative Care in Valdese on Friday, December 23, 2016. A native of Monterey, Tenn., he was born on October 9, 1938 to the late Bulis and Bernie Shewmake Bagwell. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy, and upon his discharge he began work with Old Fort Finishing where he worked for more than 20 years, advancing to Quality Control Coordinator. He left there to become a co-owner with Bill Nichols of John's Self Service grocery store in Old Fort. Following his desire to take his career into a different direction, he became a safety coordinator at the Ethan Allen plant in Old Fort where he was tasked with the management and prevention of fire hazards in the plant. His work life coincided with a devotion to community service which included a long history of volunteering in the Old Fort Fire Department where he served for a term as the Fire Chief, Assistant Chief for many years and also as Treasurer. He was also active in the Old Fort Jaycees and served as the President of the McDowell County Fireman's Association. He enjoyed travelling, cooking and sports and formerly refereed High School basketball games prior to consolidation of the schools. Bill attended Living Waters Tabernacle for many years. He touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, especially his loving family who stayed by his side in his final days. A brother, Norman Bagwell preceded him in death.Surviving are his beloved wife of 41 years, Gail Hudgins Bagwell; his step-mother, Elsie Bagwell Stuart of Pleasant Gardens; three children, Patrick, Ashley and Stacy Bagwell, all of Old Fort; his brother, Barry Bagwell of Mooresville; a sister, Cynthia James and husband Mickey of North Augusta; a sister-in-law, Norma Bagwell of Morganton; and several nieces and nephews.A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Westmoreland Funeral Service and Cremations in Old Fort with Rev. Keith Jamison and Rev. Kenneth Massingill officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial, with military rites, will be on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. Flowers are acceptable and appreciated. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in his memory are encouraged to consider the McDowell County Fire and Rescue Association at PO Box 1646, Marion, NC 28752. An online register is available at www.westmorelandfuneralhome.com.