Donald Athan Baggett

February 18, 2021

The Crimson Tide’s biggest fan, Donald Athan Baggett, 60, better known as “Donnie,” journeyed to his Heavenly home on Feb. 14, 2021 after a lengthy hospital stay due to health issues. Donnie was born in Evergreen, Alabama to Travis Baggett and Dorothy Fussell Baggett on Sept. 7, 1960. As a young child, Donnie, his parents and his brothers moved to Atmore and immediately became a part of the community through school and church activities. As a tail back for Escambia County High School (#40), Donnie made a name for himself in the football program. Donnie always credited Coach Buck Powell with keeping him motivated in team sports, such as football and basketball, and Coach Frankie Bell for instilling his lifelong love of weightlifting. Every year in high school, Donnie earned either Most Valuable Player or Most Athletic in football or basketball, but his favorite claim to fame was “finally getting to 300 pounds on the bench a week before graduating high school,” something he retold to his family often.

After his 1978 high school graduation, Donnie began a career at Georgia Pacific in Monroeville as a press operator. Later he joined Scott Paper Company in the timberland division, and this background enabled him to start his own business in the logging field. These connections ultimately allowed him to end up at International Paper, Pensacola Mill, working in the pulp mill and warehouse shipping as team leader for over 20 years. His favorite position there, however, was one for which his colleagues selected him, and that was Union Representative. “I probably should have gone to law school because I really enjoy language and logic,” Donnie always used to admit. “I guess fighting for the underdog as a Union Rep is the next best thing.” Donnie was a true believer in democracy and patriotism, serving as a major donator to Veteran causes and was an active member of the Republican Presidential Task Force.

One of the many things that Donnie loved in this life centered around anything that involved Alabama football and Big Al. He saved all kinds of Alabama memorabilia, including front page articles from most of their BIG WINS and special Roll Tide prints, shirts, or coins. Together with his wife Rita, the couple managed to raise their only child, Krystal, as an “All Things Bama” fan as well.

Donnie is preceded in death (just days prior) by both his mother and father; his wife, Rita; and his brother, Steve. He is survived by two brothers: Ronnie (Margaret) Baggett of Atmore; and Garry (Vicki) Baggett of Bratt; his daughter Krystal (Charles) Weaver of Dothan; Nephews–Stephen Baggett and Corry Baggett of Atmore; Alex Baggett (Kaylee) of Louisiana; and Nieces–Melissa Baggett of Atmore and Lexxi Baggett of Bratt. Donnie also has three grandchildren: Charlie, Kaitlin, and Braden of Dothan and two great-nieces.

Family will receive friends Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 9 a.m. at Petty Funeral Home with funeral services following at 10 a.m. with Rev. Tim James of Atmore Apostolic Church officiating. Burial will follow at Buffington Cemetery in Castleberry, Ala.

Active pallbearers will be Alex Baggett, Corry Baggett, Hunter Kite, Randall Morris, Robert Wells, and Bobby Wooten.

Comments

2 Responses to “Donald Athan Baggett”

  1. Higgy on February 27th, 2021 2:50 pm

    Donnie made me laugh everyday we worked together. I don’t know how many times we would literally start crying from joking around. I’m very sorry to his family for their loss.

  2. terrytrawick on February 22nd, 2021 3:22 pm

    i will miss DonnieBaggett,we worked side by side,as we both capped digesters in the pulpmill,he was agood friend,and both of us loved Alabama football.GODbless the family.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries