Joseph Walton Baggett JR

  Joseph Walton Baggett Jr. died peacefully at home November 25, 2024 in Cumberland City, TN. He spent his final days with family, close friends, and loved ones. He kept his sense of humor and positivity to the end. Joe was a lifelong learner and adventurer who travelled the world, served his country, inspired others, and believed in the unlimited potential of anyone who is willing to work for it. 

  Joe was born September 8, 1943 in Old Hickory, TN. As a child he was an entrepreneur, delivering newspapers and selling popsicles by Old Hickory lake. Despite these early signs of ambition he was, by his own account, a pretty mediocre student. Joe traded school for service when he joined the U.S. Army, attended warrant officer candidate school, and later graduated flight school. In Vietnam, Joe flew UH-1 Huey Gunships with the 92nd Assault Helicopter Company “Guns”. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and a battlefield commission to officer. He later served as a military advisor in Iran during the Iranian revolution and narrowly escaped with more than just a few stories. During his service Joe met the love of his life, Rosalyn and married her just five weeks later. He also had three children, Dana (Mona), Alan (Rachel), and Jason. Joe went on to serve 22 years and retired from Fort Campbell as a Major in 1982. 

  The Army was just one of the many careers Joe pursued over more than six decades. He spent several years as a leader in aerospace and aviation which took him, and at times his family, around the globe – living in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Europe. He worked at the Space Center in Cape Kennedy during the shuttle program. He worked in Germany during the collapse of the Berlin Wall. He was always eager for the next adventure, explored every exotic location he lived, and was particularly fond of different cultures, cuisine, and customs. 

  In the early 90’s, Joe settled with his family on 72 acres off of a dirt road outside of Cumberland City, TN. During that time he joined TVA which allowed him to spend time working on countless projects around his farm and to build a home with his own hands all while driving TVA management up the wall. Having previously earned his Master’s degree in Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation Joe decided to attend Nashville School of Law and would later use that knowledge to advocate for fairness at TVA. 

  Following September 11th, Joe retired from TVA and resumed working internationally in the defense industry, which took him across the Middle East and Africa. Eventually a cancer diagnosis curtailed his international adventures. In the last decade of his life, he thoroughly embraced his role as “Papa” to four biological grandchildren and many other grandchildren by choice. 

  Joe was a fierce advocate for the underdog. He was humble about his accomplishments and generous with his time, wisdom, and resources. He never met a stranger he wouldn’t help. He was a jokester, a wonderful storyteller, loved encouraging others, and was a fervent believer in the power of positive thinking.

  He didn’t like making a fuss about much which is why he requested no funeral or services. He did however leave the following:

  “Joe is dead. He didn’t get called home or anywhere else and didn’t go to be with anyone in particular. He just got old and died of cancer related issues. He left this earth reluctantly and would have stayed for another century or so if given the chance. Nonetheless, he left looking forward to the transformation, with the hope and absolute belief that his spiritual existence continues.

  He is survived by Rosalyn, the love of his life and wife of over fifty years.”

  Family will contact close friends at a future date to join them at home in sharing stories. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Joe’s memory to the Southern Poverty Law Center. 

  Arrangements are in the care of Nave Funeral Home, (931) 289-4277, NaveFuneralHomes.com