Wednesday, Feb. 09, 2011

Garner mourns loss of leader

The Garner community suffered the loss of a friend and civic leader last week.

James David Hagwood, the owner and operator of Garner Carpet, was known for his devotion to community service. He was chairman of the Garner Planning Board for 10 years, a charter member of the Garner Mid-day Rotary Club and a founding member of the Garner Volunteer Rescue Squad.

"He loved his community and loved being around people and helping them," said Garner Mayor Ronnie Williams. "He cared so much for others. I'll miss his friendship."

The mayor said he first met Hagwood while volunteering with the Garner Rescue Squad in the 1970s. Williams said that time on the rescue squad inspired Hagwood to travel to New York several years ago to care for victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.

"He used his own time and money to earn his counseling certification and credentials to help the families in New York," Williams said. "He had a passion for giving back to his fellow man."

Hagwood, 53, was also active in the Garner Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, he was the chamber's liaison for government affairs, attending Town Council and committee meetings on behalf of Garner's business community.

Forrest Ball, of Hartwell Realty, was Hagwood's friend for more than 20 years and worked with him in the chamber. Ball said Hagwood's positive attitude and love for Garner were uplifting.

"He had so much to offer people," Ball said. "He was very civic-minded and was always there as a good friend."

George Rucker knew Hagwood through the chamber and the Rotary club. "He was always the first to volunteer," Rucker said "He always jumped at the opportunity to get things done around town."

Tom Moss, Garner's police chief for 20 years, was also a close friend of Hagwood. Moss said he would remember Hagwood fondly for his infectious smile and dedication to their town.

"He touched a lot of lives," Moss said. "When you hear the name David Hagwood, you can't help but think of community service. You won't find anyone more committed to Garner."

Hagwood died Jan. 31 at White Deer Park; police said the cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The funeral was Friday at Aversboro Road Baptist Church. Burial followed in the cemetery at Wooten's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church on Sauls Road, Raleigh.

Surviving are his wife, Jeanette Whitley Hagwood; a daughter, Beth Stancil of Clayton; his father, Charles Hagwood of Garner; and two brothers, Michael Hagwood of DeWitt, Va., and Jeff Hagwood of Queensland, Australia.