Funeral services will be on Thursday for retired Deputy Chief Gary Baggett, 53, of Rocky Face, who passed away Saturday April 4, 2015 following a motorcycle accident.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Joyce Baggett.
Gary recently retired from the Dalton Fire Department after 30 years of service to the city. He began his career as a volunteer firefighter in 1981. After serving four years as a firefighter in the U.S. Air Force, he began his career at the Dalton Fire Department in October of 1985. He achieved the rank of Battalion Chief in 2007 and as Deputy Chief in 2009. He was a source of knowledge for the department due to a constant desire to better himself, especially in the area of fire science. Gary was also an integral part of the Georgia Smoke Divers Association as a lead instructor training firefighters to be the best of the best. He was a beloved member of his family, the Dalton Fire Department, Georgia Smoke Divers and the community. Gary was known inside and outside the community as a mentor, a friend, and as someone who helps in times of need. Gary met many on his travels and was soon called a friend whether be to aid in Forrest Fire Control, to teach, or enjoy the ride of life atop his Harley Davidson.
He is survived by his wife, Julie Baggett; daughter, Hannah Baggett of Conyers; son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Rosey Baggett of Birmingham; brothers and sisters-in-law, Terry and (Cindy) Baggett, Jerry and Angela Baggett and Anthony and April Baggett, all of Chatsworth; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Garry and Barbara Holt; brother-in-law, Eric Holt; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews also survive.
The family will receive friends at the Pleasant Grove Chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5-9 p.m.
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Gary Baggett will be held on Thursday, at 2 p.m. at the Cedar Valley Cathedral of Praise with Reverend Londa Richardson, Brother David Rhodes (Elder of the GA Smoke Divers Association) and Reverend Eric Jenkins officiating.
After the service, the procession will leave the church and go to downtown Dalton. All uniformed personnel and fire apparatus will be going to the old jail on Waugh Street (across from DFD Station 1 and the DPD). There will be a walking procession behind a fire truck and the casket from DFD Station 1 at Waugh Street and Jones Street to the Dalton Green near the courthouse. The casket will be placed underneath a tent there and a firefighter memorial will be held. After that, the casket will be carried away by a hearse and interment will take place elsewhere at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to GA Smoke Diver Association, 115 West Peachtree Place NW, Unit 615, Atlanta, GA 30313 or online at www.georgiasmokediver.com/gsd_store_donations.php
You may leave the family a message on the tribute wall, upload pictures or light a memorial candle at www.julianpeeples.com
Julian Peeples Funeral Home, Pleasant Grove Chapel, 2801 Cleveland Road in Dalton is in charge of arrangements.