George Edward Baggett

Dr. George Edward Baggett entered eternal peace and glory on Sunday, November 24, 2013 after serving the Lord for 85 years. He was born in Jackson, Mississippi on May 17, 1928 to Elmer Baylor Baggett and Rosa Nelle Perry Baggett. Dr. Baggett graduated from Harding College in 1950, received his Masters in 1951 from UMKC, and his Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma in 1974. He worked at Harding University for 40 years as the Chorale Director, Band Director, and Professor of Music. He conducted many singing schools and Vacation Bible Schools. He served as Secretary and President of the Arkansas Music Educators Association, was a member of the College Band Directors National Association, and Charter Director of the Searcy Community Summer Band. Dr. Baggett was a Charter member of the Optimist Club and served in many roles including Secretary Treasurer, Lt. Governor and President, with more than 40 years of perfect attendance at Optimist Club meetings. He was a founding member of West Side Church of Christ and served as an elder. Eddie and Jeannette loved to travel; some of the places they visited were The Holy Lands, Italy, the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii and many places in the continental United States. He is survived by one daughter, Rosemary B. Wilson of Springdale, Arkansas; and one son, Robert Baggett and wife Melina of Sulphur, Louisiana. He is also survived by three grandsons, Michael Wilson and wife Jamie of Olathe, Kansas, Matt Wilson and wife Andrea Jo of Rogers, Arkansas, and Doug Baggett and wife Kristin of Lake Charles, Louisiana. He is survived by two granddaughters, Kelly Petross and husband Chad of Sulphur, Louisiana and Christy Heddins and husband Caleb of Guam. Dr. Baggett has 11 great-grandchildren, four girls & seven boys. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Jeannette; his brother, Richard; his father, Elmer; and his mother, Rosa Nelle. Visitation and the funeral service will both be at the West Side Church of Christ in Searcy, Arkansas. Visitation will be at 9 a.m. and the funeral service at 11 a.m. with interment afterwards at the White County Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be sent to the E.B. and G.E. Baggett Music Scholarship Fund at Harding University. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.