Raymond James Bagg

Born May 15, 1932, in Hartford, Connecticut, to the late Raymond James and Marguerite Bagg, Raymond—known to close family as Mickey—graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1950 and earned his medical degree from New York Medical College in 1958. Commissioned into the U.S. Army that year, his military career took him from Washington, D.C., Georgia, Hawaii and Kentucky to Japan and ultimately Texas. He rose to the rank of Colonel and served as Chief of Orthopaedics and Orthopaedic Residency Program Director at William Beaumont Medical Center before retiring from the Army in 1977. His military honors include the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal, and he was recognized with the “A” Prefix as an orthopaedic surgeon.

Dr. Bagg completed his residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he worked with Shriners Children’s Hospital which inspired his lifelong dedication to pediatric orthopaedics. During the Vietnam era he served three and a half years as Chief of Orthopaedics and Surgery at the 106th General Hospital in Yokohama, Japan, treating wartime casualties.

After military retirement, he joined the faculty at Texas Tech University Health Science Center-El Paso as full Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, serving the El Paso Community for more than 30 years. A devoted pediatric orthopaedist, Dr. Bagg cared for children with disabilities across the El Paso region, collaborating with physicians in Juárez, Mexico and the Shriners network, leading mobile clinics to remote West Texas communities, and providing care on Indian reservations in southeastern New Mexico. His community service earned multiple honors, including recognition as a leader in rural health and as a Children’s Miracle Network “Miracle Maker.”

Dr. Bagg was a leader in the field of Orthopaedics serving as President of both the Texas Orthopaedic Association and the New Mexico Orthopaedic Association, and he was an associate editor of Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research for two decades. He finally retired at age 78, famously saying, “You have to do three things in life: you must die, you must pay taxes and you must fill twenty-four hours.”

A man of quiet faith—living the maxim attributed to St. Francis to “preach the Gospel always and use words only when necessary”—Raymond’s actions and wisdom reflected his beliefs. He treasured time at his cabin in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, with his beloved wife, Louise, especially when visited by their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Marguerite Bagg; sisters Joanne Pauroso and Mary Judith Viano; and niece Margaret Blair.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife Louise who was his steadfast companion for 68 years and was the love of his life. He is also survived by his 6 children: Theresa (Thomas) Bernhard of Round Rock, TX; Mark (Karen) Bagg of San Antonio, TX; Virginia (Todd) Baddley of Richland, WA; Mary Leibmann of Phoenix, AZ; Michael (Carolynn) Bagg of El Paso, TX; and Martha (Thomas) Lemieux of Pflugerville, TX. His legacy lives on through twenty-two grandchildren and their spouses, and twenty-two great-grandchildren, a testament to the abundant family life he and Louise built together.

The family extends deep gratitude to the staff at Army Residence Community Health Care for their compassionate care during Raymond’s final year.

Ray was a man of devout Catholic faith, and that faith served as the foundation upon which he built everything. His relationship with God was not merely a private matter but a guiding force that shaped his character, his generosity, and his love for others. He lived his beliefs daily, embodying the virtues of humility, service, and compassion. In his final days, that same faith brought him peace and comfort as it had throughout every season of his life. His family takes solace in the assurance that he now rests in the eternal presence of the Lord he served so faithfully.

Mickey's life spanned more than nine decades, and in that time, he touched countless lives through his work, his wisdom, and his unwavering devotion to family. He will be deeply missed, but his influence will endure in the hearts of all who knew him and in the generations that carry his name forward.

Ray’s lasting legacy was that of taking care of wounded warriors and crippled children. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or the Shriner’s Children's Hospital.

SERVICES

Monday, June 29, 2026

The Rosary will be recited at 8:30 a.m., at St. Peter Prince of the Apostle Catholic Church; 111 Barilla Pl, Alamo Heights, TX 78209, Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 9:30 a.m.

The Committal Service will be held the same day at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery; 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209 from 11:15 a.m. to 11:35 a.m.

A Celebration of Life Reception will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the Fort Sam Golf Course Clubhouse.

Please feel free to wear your favorite church attire and come as you feel most comfortable. There is no need to wear black or a formal suit — your presence is what matters most.

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