Guy Nolan Bagwell

A 3rd generation Texan, son, father, husband, friend, truck driver, camping aficionado, washtub bass player, and all around “GREAT GUY” – aka “Paw” – stepped up on that tour bus bound for Heaven. On it were many of his closest friends, family and loved ones. Surely the parents that brought him into this world were so glad to hold him in their arms.
In the late afternoon of Tuesday, 8 April 2025, Guy laid down the mortal body and reached out and found the hand of Glory. He was a Blessed man and the oldest child, and only son, born to Justin Frank “Jack” and Beatrice Kathleen Smith Bagwell on 22 August 1938 at Monahans, Texas.
Over the next 14 years the Bagwell family added two lovely daughters: Gaye Lynn Bagwell Scudder of Bedford, TX (late husband Laurence C Scudder II), Laurence C “Beau” Scudder III, nephew, Glenda Grace Bagwell Hendrix of Kingland, TX (late husband Bobby Ray Hendrix) Gregory Ray Hendrix, nephew, (Stacey K Hendrix) Chance and Wyatt; Gracie Hendrix Berryhill, niece of Marion, TX (Zane Berryhill) Lane Berryhill, Ian Berryhill.
Cousins: Donna Lotspeich Johnson of Colleyville, Tx, the late Azura Johnson Bringedahl, Jonathan Johnson (Michelle Johnson), Cousin Darla Wilson Elliot Pruitt of Euless, Tx; Allison Elliott, Rhyan E Elliot Rush (David Rush).
His wife, sidekick, camping partner and “social director” of 38 years, Sarilee Roberts Brewer Bagwell, was by his side until his last breath. Letting him go and helping him onto that “Grand Tour Bus” was difficult but she knows he will save her a seat, right next to him. Some would say they went together like “peas & carrots” in their marriage. 
Many that knew Guy in his later years mainly saw him in “retirement” which included a lot of Texas Country Music and Musicians and the start of 20 years of GuyStock. He loved playing his “washtub bass ”. Along with the music he had an affinity for leather work. When you look at photos of him throughout the years, you will notice one of the famous works of art. In essence it was a “Beer on a Rope”! He sold those beer holders faster than he could make them. I hope you grinned and tipped your hat as you think back on this “necessary” accessory.
He loved going camping (glamping). Years ago, he and Sarilee started out camping in a van that had previously been an Ambulance. The stories created by their camping experiences helped provide a framework for their lives. The places they went, the people they met and the freedom of being on the road, heading to the country brought joy to their souls.
They also enjoyed hosting others to their Fort Worth home. One time a gathering was held at their home and Paw stayed up 2 days and one night cooking 70 lbs. of brisket – and probably making sure there was plenty of ice on the “cold beer”. They single handedly served up all the food, despite sleeplessness, and did not miss a beat. 
Guy had been a long haul, coast to coast truck driver for his “livelihood”. It seems like there was not a state or highway that he had not traversed. He was true to this occupation, wherein as he lay, bedfast at the end and drifted off to sleep, his right hand would reach out for the “gear shift” his left foot would pump up and down as he shifted gears. He would drift onto that long highway, grinding gears until full slumber set in.
Nothing made him prouder than family.
He was privileged and honored to be the father of daughter, Misty Lynn Bagwell Phillips. He truly loved Misty and she was the “apple of his eye”. Misty met and married Ronnie Dean Phillips. And to this union was born Katelyn Alyssa Phillips of Burleson, Tx. His chest swelled with pride as he shared the news of her birth (Paw liked to call her “Katie Star”).
From earlier in life, he had two daughters, Wendie Gayle Bagwell and Melanie Dawn Bagwell Springer. Dawn is married to Andrew Springer, and they have two daughters: Shelby Springer Mowery, husband Taylor Mowery and children Grant Alexander Mowery and Sienna Drew Mowery; and Loryn Springer Lawson, husband Justin Lawson and their son Jensen Roy Lawson.
“Paw” also stepped up, and helped guide Sarilee’s two children through life. He was in every way a mentor, father, friend and source of inspiration: Sarilee’s oldest, Penny Brewer Bald of Longview, Tx (her spouse James “Jim” Bald); and her youngest James David Brewer of Gladewater, Tx.
If you truly knew Guy, you could remember his smile and hear his laughter. Being “Paw” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren brought a smile to his face, laughter to the air, a sparkle to his eyes, and when his arthritis was not too bad, a spring in his step. Grands: Grant “Boot” Royce Daniel of Aubrey, Tx (Natalie J Reynolds Daniel) and GREAT grandchildren: Sienna W Daniel, Marjorie H “Maggie” Daniel, Theodore P “Teddy” Daniel, Phoebe J Daniel, Matilda P “Tillie” Daniel and Paw’s namesake, Jonas Keith Nolan Daniel.
His baby, “Gimlet Butt” granddaughter, Morgan E Blankinship Forrest of Weatherford, Tx – who waited on him and Sarilee hand and foot through this illness kept him on the edge of his seat. (Robert W Forrest). Morgan and Robert have two daughters that have spent many hours with “Paw”, especially in the end; great grandchildren: Genevieve E Forrest; Naomi Faith Forrest. They loved to crawl up in his lap and encourage him to run his lift chair up and down. Naomi was present at his passing, as the least little 3 year old with her 86 year old “Paw”.
James David Brewer’s daughter, Paw’s granddaughter: Samantha L Brewer Craver of Austin, Tx (Robert Craver) Sam has been indispensable in assisting with his final arrangements, managing the house and keeping Sarilee “Mimi” company through these emotional times. She has also helped with the logistics of planning and preparing his arrangements.
His family, friends, relatives, and acquaintances are too numerous to list. Please know that his family does think of you and appreciate the role you have played in his life.
The memories are vast and when someone like Guy Nolan Bagwell, aka “Paw” passes, the gulf in the cosmos is immense and felt by all.

“When the round up ends…
And the campfire dims
When a cowboy trades his
Spurs for wings”

“When a Cowboy trades His Spurs for Wings” Ballad of Buster Scruggs
performed by Watson & Nelson