James Kellie Hagwood

James Kellie Hagwood, Sr., 94, of Mint Hill, North Carolina, a proud veteran of the United States Army, was released from his earthly bonds and passed away peacefully on September 5, 2023, with his family by his side. James was born on May 6, 1929 in Raleigh, NC to the late Henry Kellie Hagwood and Lillian Irene Brown Hagwood.

James was a graduate of Hugh Morson High School in Raleigh and Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte. After high school, James worked as a surveyor for the Seaboard Air Line Railroad before deciding to join the U.S. Army, where over the course of his military career he achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4.

James retired from the Army in 1977 with over 28 years of service and settled in Charlotte. After the death of his wife Grace, he lived for several years in Cary, NC before returning to the Charlotte area. During retirement, James enjoyed his hobbies of woodworking and oil painting as well as participating as much as possible in the lives of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. James was a thoughtful, loving, and considerate father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Grace Margaret Campbell Hagwood; his son, James Kellie Hagwood, Jr.; his brothers, Derle Hagwood, Ray Hagwood, and Henry "HB" Hagwood; and his sisters Eileen (Ellen) Poe, Patricia Hagwood, June Smith, and Julia Byrd.

James is survived by his sons, Steve Hagwood (Silvia) and Michael Hagwood; his granddaughters, Shawn Parker (Eric) and Jolynn Hagwood; his sister, Linda Hagwood; his great-grandchildren Thurston Thompson, London Thompson, Nova Thompson, Marilyn Ducret, and Arwen Hagwood-Loux; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at McEwen Funeral Service - Mint Hill Chapel. 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC. A visitation with refreshments will be held prior from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn East Cemetery, 3700 Forest Lawn Dr, Matthews, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.