Delaney "Todd" Bagwell

Delaney Todd Bagwell, 51 of Benton, Ark., died peacefully on Sept. 13, 2017 after a sudden cancer diagnosis. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Alice Loraine Bagwell, Otis and Katy Bagwell, Leola Nutt Clements and Joe Clements. Todd is survived by his parents Jo C. "Joy" Bagwell Finley, Gene Douglas and Linda Bagwell and sister Regina Lea "Gigi" Bagwell. Todd graduated from Benton High School in 1984. He went on to attend Ouachita Baptist University and graduated in 1988 with a B.S. in Accounting. Todd worked in the banking industry for several years before abandoning his ledger to pursue his love of design and all things beautiful. Until 1996, Todd worked for David Garner at Marlsgate Plantation on weekends as a wedding director. He always credited David Garner for teaching him the basics of his new career. He was then hired by Helen Benton of Vera Wang and moved to New York in 1996. Later he worked with bridal designer Ulla Maija until 2003, before starting Delaney T. Bagwell and Associates to offer all-inclusive event planning.Todd was known as the "wedding planner extraordinaire." Todd planned weddings from conception to execution for brides all over the country – from west coast to east coast to middle America. He viewed each bride as having an exquisite story to tell and he viewed himself as their master storyteller. He spent countless hours with the bride learning of her every wish. He then used his keen eye for aesthetics and knack for detail to showcase her story on her wedding day. Todd was outspoken and not afraid to speak his mind. Todd was the one who would sternly but politely tell his friends' children to order something other than chicken fingers and French fries from the menu. Todd was the one who would say "put those white linen pants away; it's after Labor Day!" Todd also led a life of quiet servitude. He was the one who would be caught ironing the dress of a close friend who was readying herself for her Mother's funeral. He was the one who would show up with a crock of black-eyed peas and homemade cornbread for an ill friend to offer hope for blessings and good luck in the New Year. Todd was the one who made sure his closest loved one had a home-cooked meal every day of the week. Todd was the one who made the choice to walk in our shoes because he wanted to share in life's perils as a symbol of support. A memorial service will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, Ark., on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 at 2 p.m. Family and friends would like to establish a memorial fund in memory of Delaney Todd Bagwell for Cancer Research at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Foundation. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the WPRCI Foundation Fund at 4301 W. Markham St., MS632f, Little Rock, Ark. 72207 or to another favorite charity or church."Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" That's a wrap! Smile, DTB. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.