It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Renee Hagler’s beloved father. He departed this life peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and strength. A devoted father, cherished family member, and friend to many, his presence will be deeply missed and his memory forever treasured. The Hagler family kindly asks for your prayers and support during this time of mourning. Details regarding services and memorial arrangements will be shared soon.
Dad passed away last night. I was able to spend several days with him last week while he was in the hospital before he went back home. We had a good visit. I was sleep deprived and he was on a fentanyl patch, so I’m sure our conversations would have seemed weird to anyone listening. We talked about old times and listened to Marty Robbins, Utah Carol(my favorite) and Strawberry Roan (his favorite) on repeat. I found out Dad was a closet Beatles Fan..he had a redneck reputation to uphold, so I guess that’s why he never told me. He had some difficulty speaking but woke up at 2:00am to tell me in perfectly clear voice “What does a man have to do to get a drink of water around here?” I told him I had been giving him drinks all day. He said “no you ain’t”, so I went and got him a grape pop. He took a sip of that and there was pure joy on his face. His preference was Pepsi, but that grape pop hits different! I read the Bible to him. Played some country gospel and and some harmonica music. (Dad played a mean harmonica) I just enjoyed his company, no rushing or paying attention to the clock. I went to Walmart and bought him a huge squishmallow duck with an Uncle Sam hat and I made him pat it because it was the softest thing I ever felt. He was not as impressed with my purchase as I was.
I threatened to put him on a pallet in the floor and take his hospital bed because those nights of the hospital recliner had wrecked me. He laughed. (I was half serious)
Sometimes while I was there, I would look over and he would just be smiling at me. I am so thankful for that time we spent together.
My dad taught me three of the most important things in life that have become an integral part of who I am. The first was the importance of loyalty, especially to family. You always help each other no matter what. The second was work ethic. I have never met another man in my life that could work as hard as my Dad. There was not an ounce of lazy in him.
The third was generosity. Dad would help anyone anywhere. If he had it, he would give it to you if you needed it.
These are characteristics that I have also tried to instill in my boys as well.
I’m going to miss him, but he’s in good hands with Jesus. I will see him again before too long.
Love you daddy.
