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Earl Gordon Bagley Jr., Emeritus Vice President of Student Affairs of Columbus State University passed away in his home Saturday, January 13, 2024.

Services to be announced at a later date according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

He was born on January 8, 1943, in LaGrange, Georgia to the late Earl Gordon Bagley Sr. and Louise Harris Bagley. He spent his life as a friend, father, husband, educator, coach, and civic minded citizen. 

He enjoyed 55 years of marriage to Jane Kidd Bagley and leaves behind a daughter, Anna Bagley Brooks, her husband Lane Brooks, and their children Lanier Love Brooks and Sarah Reed Brooks. Other than his parents he is preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Evetts Behr. Earl’s brother, Harris Lee Bagley, his wife Fran, along with numerous nieces and nephews will continue to remember “Uncle Bubba”. 

Earl was a graduate of the University of Georgia, where he earned his BSEd, MEd, and EdD in education. He joined the faculty of then Columbus College to teach Social Studies Education in 1973. He progressed to Dean of Students within 10 years and then was appointed Vice President for Student Affairs in 1994 where he served until his retirement in 2004. He was appointed Emeritus status in 2006.  

As the golf coach for Columbus College, Earl led the team to two Division II National Championships. He was selected as the golf coach for the USA vs Japan Collegiate Championship games held in Japan in 1993. He was inducted into the Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame in 1999, acknowledging his contributions to Division II collegiate golf. He was honored to also be inducted into the Columbus State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001. 

Earl kept in touch with many high school team-mates from the State Championship winning football team of LaGrange High School in 1958, as well as the LHS Class of 1961.

He and Jane retired on the same day and began to explore the world through travel. They visited all 50 states, much of Western Europe, South Africa and Argentina. 

A civically engaged citizen, Earl provided leadership to the Bull Creek Golf Authority by chairing the authority and played a role in developing the First Tee Program for the youth of Columbus. 

Throughout his career he had the opportunity to mentor and positively affect the lives of many students, athletes, and young professionals at Columbus State University. He was a natural teacher and took great enjoyment from helping others work toward reaching their goals. As a true mentor he was always there if the goals were not met in order to help re-evaluate and work harder and smarter to reach the goals. He embodied dedication to others and was a true friend.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Kidd-Bagley fund at Columbus State University that supports golf and travel abroad program, Columbus State University Foundation, 4225 University Avenue, Columbus, GA 31907 or to Paws Humane Society, 4900 Milgen Road, Columbus, GA 31907.