Wallace (Wally) Baggett was born a coal miner's son on September 24, 1928 in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky and grew up in Paducah, KY. Preceded in death by his loving wife Regena Maddox Baggett, parents Lyman and Johnnie Wallis Baggett; brothers Thomas Baggett (Barbara), The Reverend James Baggett (Florence), William Baggett (Marie), Lt. Col. Robert Baggett (Jean), John Paul Baggett, Frank Baggett (June), Ralph Baggett (Dollie) ; sister Virginia Baggett Kok.

He is survived by his sister Dean Baggett Peniche (Eduardo), his two daughters Janice Wishau (Roger), Patricia King (Gary), six grandchildren; Dr. Tyler Wishau (Jensena), Julie Wishau Hamilton (David), Ryan Wishau (Victoria), Ben Wishau (Ashley), Erin King Beaudoin (Tyler), and Davis King, sixteen great-grandchildren; Hudson, Caroline, Grant, Anita, Meyer , and Jesse Hamilton; Sophie, Caleb, Luke, and Jason Wishau; Wally, Baby Wishau due 10/25, Zebedee Wishau; TK, Stratton, and Beau Beaudoin.

One of eight brothers – all US Marines – and two sisters in the family. He joined the Marine Corps in 1945 at age 17, serving in China and during the Korean War. He earned the BS degree at Murray State University, the MSSW degree in Social Work at the University of Tennessee School of Social Work, and the Ph.D. at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Wally was director of the Social Work Program at Murray State University. His professional career in social work included child protective services in Tennessee, psychiatric social work, and director of the Paducah McCracken County Mental Health Center.

While a student at Murray State University (KY), Wally met the love of his life, Regena Maddox Baggett. They shared 72 years of marriage, wholly committed to each other. Regena suffered from dementia the last years of her life and preceded Wally in death by 6 weeks.  Wally exhibited unwavering loyalty and faithfulness as he stayed by her side, assisting and loving Regena every day all day.

Wally was a member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class and United Methodist Men at Bellevue United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN.

The family suggests that instead of flowers, donations be made in Wally Baggett's memory to Samaritan's Purse, by calling 800-528-1980 or a check to Samaritan's Purse P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.