Ross Kennedy Bagwell Sr.

Media pioneer and trailblazing television producer Ross K. Bagwell Sr., age 91, passed away November 23, 2023 in Knoxville, TN. He was well known as a successful entrepreneur, a creative genius, and gifted storyteller. He was also a dedicated husband, a loving father and friend/teacher/mentor to countless East Tennesseans.

Bagwell grew up on Knoxville’s Lilly Avenue, attending Staub School, Tyson Middle School and Knoxville High School. He then served in the United States Air Force stationed in Biloxi, MS and Cape Cod, MA. After his service he worked at Oak Ridge National Labs while attending The University of Tennessee.

In 1951 Ross saw his first television broadcast and fell in love with the idea of creating television programming. With Sue’s blessing he took a bus to New York City, enrolled in NYU and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and accepted a position as a pageboy at NBC. He rose through the ranks at NBC until 1964 when his wife Sue convinced him to move the family back to Knoxville.

He initially worked at WATE-TV, then moved on to advertising, working at Lavidge, Davis and Newman before starting his own agency, Bagwell Advertising. Unable to resist the lure of television he also launched Cinetel Productions in 1975 which would go on to become one of America’s most prolific independent production companies. He created and produced hundreds of hours of programming including popular series like I-40 Paradise, Club Dance, Exploring America, Hey Dude, and America’s Castles to name just a few. In 1994 he sold the company to Scripps Howard to become home to HGTV and the Scripps Networks. Following the sale he started Ross Television Productions as an outlet for his genuine love of creating television, film, games and other creative properties. He was a passionate creative who loved collaboration with coworkers throughout his career. Bagwell is generally credited as the catalyst that brought East Tennessee’s growing film and television industry to life.

Throughout his life his wife, Sue Burchfield, was steadfast beside him. They met as 8th graders at Tyson Middle School and remained completely devoted to each other throughout their lives. Ross missed her greatly following her passing in June of 2022.

Ross was a wonderful father to Ross Jr. and Dee Haslam. They worked beside each other, traveled together and greatly enjoyed each other’s company. Learning under him was an incredible gift.

Friends knew him as a true gentleman who cared deeply about people. He was a father figure to many. He never said goodbye without saying, “Be careful!” and “Call me if you need me.”

He is survived by his daughter Dee Haslam and her husband, Jimmy. Grandchildren James Bagwell Haslam, Whitney Haslam Johnson and husband JW, Cynthia Haslam Arnholt and husband David. Six great-grandchildren Jack, Susan and James Arnholt, Hank, Ross and Max Johnson. Brother Joe Bagwell, sister-in-law Joan Thomas and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by wife Sue, son Ross, parents Charles and Jeanette Bagwell, brother Barney, in-laws Ed and Naomi Burchfield, Dr. Dewey Thomas and Rhea and Jim Copeland.

Ross also leaves behind Carmita Wright, his devoted assistant of 38 years, his incredible caregivers, Shiela Sexton and Etra Helms, and all the caregivers who cared deeply for both Sue and Ross through the years.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cherokee Country Club on December 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM followed by receiving of friends between 12:00 PM-2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Lakeshore Park, 5930 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919; Emerald Youth Foundation, 1014 Heiskell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921; and University of Tennessee Medical Center Pastoral Care, 1924 Alcoa Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com for the Bagwell family.