E. Booker Bagby Jr., 96, of Belton, died Dec. 21, 2017.

He was born Sept. 20, 1921, in Chester and graduated from Furman University in 1942. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy as commanding officer of LCI 393 with duty in the Pacific until 1946. Following the war, he attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating in 1949 with a Th.M. degree.

For 20 years, he served pastorates in South Carolina: Swift Creek Baptist Church in Darlington County, First Baptist Church of Andrews, and First Baptist Church of Honea Path. For the following 18 years, he served as director of development for Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, retiring from ministry in January 1987.

He served as a trustee of The Baptist Courier and Furman University. In 1992, he was named pastor emeritus of First Baptist Church of Honea Path. He was a member of Belton First Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Martha Keys Bagby, one son, two grandsons, and one great-great-granddaughter. He was predeceased by a daughter.