Mr. Joseph Leonard Bagley, 81, of West Columbia, went home to our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 18, 2015. Born in North Carolina, on August 15, 1933, he was a son of the late James and Lenora Street Bagley. His family moved to South Carolina shortly after his birth. He graduated from John De La Howe School in McCormick, SC. At John De La Howe, he enjoyed dairy farm work, fishing, and swimming and was an avid basketball player. Somewhat mischievous, he occasionally snuck off with his friends to play pranks and catch baby squirrels to let loose in church.After graduation, Mr. Bagley became a veteran of the US Navy, serving our country from 1951 through 1961. He settled down in SC where he was the Executive Chef at many well - known restaurants, such as the Green Olive, Mary's Celebrity Club, and Frank's Market.He married the love of his life, Bonnie Sue Chaplin, and had many furry children: Rufus and Jelly Bean. He had a bird named Michael (Bolton) who he taught to bark like a dog and ring the telephone and answered many false calls! Mr. Bagley had an exceptional memory and playing against him in Jeopardy or Trivial Pursuit would be a quick loss to any opponent. He tended a small garden and enjoyed his free time with deep sea fishing, reading westerns and mysteries, cooking, and listening to Blue Grass and Old Country music – his favorite being Hank Snow.
Mr. Bagley was a very humble man and slow to anger, but when he did, he would yell "JOHN BROWN!" He enjoyed playing poker and having an occasional drink at the Ole Place Club.

Mr. Bagley is survived by his niece, Brandy Loveridge (Joseph); great-niece, Lindsay Loveridge; great-nephew, Andrew Loveridge; and dear friends, Donny Smoak, Paris Lydle, Mann Dixon, and John Hope. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Sue Chaplin, and four brothers and four sisters.

The graveside service for Mr. Bagley will be held at 3 o'clock, Friday, February 27th, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, with The Rev. Tim Rogers officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service, from 1:30 until 2:30 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Extension, Columbia. Memorials may be made to the Palmetto Health Foundation, PO Box 602575, Charlotte, NC 28260-2575.