Little League® International mourns the passing of Larry Bagwell, former Mayor of Easley, S.C. He was 84.
Mr. Bagwell, a native of Pickens County, S.C., was a 1955 graduate of Easley High School. He earned a master’s degree from Clemson University and was a member of the Tigers baseball program that reached consecutive College Baseball World Series.
As a Councilman with the City of Easley for three decades and Mayor from 2008 to 2019, Mr. Bagwell was a motivating force behind the city hosting the annual Big League Baseball World Series (2001-2015); and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Senior League Baseball World Series relocating to Easley (2016 to present).
Although he was an avid baseball fan, Mr. Bagwell also was a successful high school football at his alma mater, posting a record of 170-105-3 in 25 seasons as head coach (1967 to 1992). Coach Bagwell captured state titles in 1967 and 1972, with his teams finishing 13-0 during those championship seasons. He was elected to the South Carolina Coaches Hall of Fame, and the city’s middle school football stadium was dedicated in Mr. Bagwell’s honor in 2019.
Mr. Bagwell is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lunita; two daughters, Terri, and Lou Anne; sister, Evelyn; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Bobby, and Charles.