God smiled on Sam and his wife Ida (Ingram) Bagby when they gave birth to their seventh child, Ralph Bagby on March 28, 1930.

Ralph was born, raised as well as attended Douglas School in Preston, Oklahoma. He confessed a hope in Jesus Christ at an early age and was a member of the Jerusalem Baptist Church.

He fell in love with Velma Patrick, the girl of his dreams, who would become his wife for 58 years. After their marriage on August 20, 1949 God blessed their loving union with thirteen children and was blessed to raise eleven.

God called Elder Ralph Bagby to the ministry in 1950. He first began his ministry at Jerusalem Baptist Church in Preston, Oklahoma. He later became a member of Page Memorial Church of God in Christ in Tulsa, OK, where Elder J. L. Alaman was the Pastor. Then he became a member of Sam Pointer's Church in Okmulgee, OK. In 1965 he enrolled in Seminary at The Liberty Bible College, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He later became an Assistant Pastor at the Eastside Church of God in Christ in Okmulgee, OK under the leadership of Elder. O.H. Todd. In 1975 God gave him a vision to build a church in Preston, Oklahoma. He was the Founder and Pastor of what is now known as the Northside Evangelistic Temple Church of God in Christ. He has Pastored there for thirty-two years. Elder Bagby served the Lord and took care of his family as God ordered all men to do.

He worked as a laborer in the construction industry and later became a construction foreman from 1949 to 1965. He then went to work for Amoco Oil and Gas Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma and became a supervisor. He loved his job and gave them 23 years of service, from 1965 to 1988. After he retired, he and his wife did some traveling. He continued with his lawncare business, however, he was not satisfied until he went back to work full time at The Pond Ridge Ranch as a Ranch Foreman just east of Preston.

Pastor Bagby has been a dedicated husband, father and Pastor until his death. His faithful wife has been a source of inspiration and comfort for him and surely God has smiled on her.

Early Sunday Morning, with his loving family by his side, Pastor Bagby gazed up into the Heavens, raised his hand and said "Hallelujah" as he took his eternal rest with his Master and Maker Jesus Christ.

Remaining to continue his legacy; his devoted and loving wife, Velma (Patrick) Bagby of the home in Preston, six sons and five daughters; Ralph Myron Bagby (Lisa) of Morris, OK; Pamela LaKaye Jones (Elder Jackie Jones) of Tulsa, OK; Roderick Donald Bagby (Liz) of Preston, OK; Renee Marie Knight, of Tulsa, OK; Gesille Johnson (Earl) of Preston, OK; Eric Dewayne Bagby (Gloria) of Preston, OK; Daryl Lee Bagby (Robin) of Broken Arrow, OK; Kevyn Joy Grayson (George) of Tulsa, OK; Delton Throne Bagby (ReDonna) of Beggs, OK; Aurdra Ray Bagby (Sylvia) of Okmulgee, OK; Tonya Yvette Cross (Bruce) of Preston, OK. In addition, he leaves thirty-two grandchildren, and twenty-three great grand children. Along with his members of the Northside Evangelistic Temple Church of God in Christ.

He also leaves to mourn, four sisters and three brothers. Ida Hunt, of Okmulgee, OK; Ray Bagby of Los Angles, CA; Maxine Grayson of Tulsa, OK; Roy Bagby of Preston, OK; Bernice Cole of Aurora, CO; Raymond Bagby of Tulsa, OK; Deloise Nash of Beggs, OK; Elaine Cole of Aurora, CO., he leaves one aunt of Texas and a caravan of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by two infant children, Ross Everett Bagby and Faye Roshell Bagby, his parents Sam and Ida Bagby, his two sisters Sammie Chappell and Juanita Mann and one brother Randolph Bagby.

The Celebratory Worship Service of Thanksgiving will be held on Saturday morning, Dec. 1, 2007 at 10:00 A.M. in the Crosstown Pentecostal Holiness Church in Okmulgee. Pastor Wesley Berry, the Gracious Host Pastor, Elder E. J. Palmer, Officiant and Bishop Dr. Bobby Williams, Eulogist. The Christian Committal will follow in Our Lady of Grace Cemetery.

You may visit Elder Bagby, as he slumbers at the funeral home in Okmulgee on Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM.