William Hagy, 84, A Man of Integrity and Honor
VARICO, FL - Lt. Col. William "Bill" Hagy, Sr. US Army (Retired) was known for his integrity and doing what was right for his family, his community and his country.
"My dad was a great man to look up to," said his daughter, Melissa (Hagy) Snively. "He was definitely a man that could be admired for all of his hard work and dedication to others. A true role model."
Hagy died Friday, May 16, 2008 at Lifepath Hospice House in Sun City Center, Florida. He was 84. Born in Bristol, Tennessee on June 24, 1923, he was the oldest of eight children. In 1940, he enlisted in the US Army and served his country as a Sergeant in Word War II Airborne until 1945. Upon returning from Europe, he completed school and then entered the Armed Forces Reserve. He became a member of the Lions Club in 1954, the Elks Club, the VFW, the American Legion and the Reserve Officers Association. He later served in both the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts in Battalion Intelligence and Counter Intelligence respectively. He retired from the Army in 1974 as a Lieutenant Colonel and Chief of Personnel and Administration for the largest Support Activity in Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Joint Services Commendation Medal and Army Commendation Medal, as well as many other decorations for his service in the armed forces.
He moved his family to Lake Alfred, Florida in 1976 to be nearer to his parents, the late George and Margaret Hagy, formerly of Bristol, Tennessee. As the oldest sibling in his family, he felt a need to watch over and be closer to his aging parents. "Bill was always concerned about the well-being of those close to his heart," said his wife. "He was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather."
In Lake Alfred, he acquired his real estate license and was a successful Realtor for 23 years. He became a life member of the Lake Alfred Lions Club, where he held many offices including president. He was an active member and president of the Lake Alfred Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the "Man of the Year Award." He was elected to the Lake Alfred City Commission and served the city for 15 years, including two terms a Mayor. He was a member and president of the local PTA, a member of The Retired Officers Association and a member of The Travelers Protective Association. He was a dedicated member of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church for over 30 years where he taught adult Sunday school and sat on the church executive council.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Hannelore Hagy, four children, William K. Hagy, Jr. and wife Cindy of Bristol, Virginia., Lois Hagy of Abington, Maryland, Melissa (Hagy) Snively and husband David of Valrico, Florida and Eric Hagy of Long Island City, New York.; five grandchildren, Melinda Kaye (Hagy) Duncan of Knoxville, Tennessee, Robert Snively II, William Snively, Sara Lilly Snively and David Snively, Jr. all of Valrico, Florida; one great-granddaughter Meghan Henson of Knoxville, Tennessee; two brothers Jim Hagy and Robert Hagy, both of California and one sister Linda Plank of North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his sisters Jean Greeson, Geraldine Craft and Peggy Worley and brother George "Lewis" Hagy II.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 27 at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 1910 Havendale Blvd., Winter Haven, Florida. Interment will be held at 2 p.m. at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Abiding Savior Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or Lifepath Hospice House of Sun City Center. Condolences may be sent via www.oakridgefuneralcare.com., Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Winter Haven, Florida.
