By MARY BAILEY The Reporter

On Saturday, October 5, Carl “Pops” Bagwell, celebrated his 101st birthday and the residents and faculty at Diversicare in Boaz decided to throw him a birthday party.

Colorful cupcakes, chips, dip and party punch lined the tables inside the dining room. Although Bagwell celebrated from his bed this year, it was a party none the less.

His nurses serenaded him with a chorus of “Happy Birthday” and lit him one candle on his special birthday cupcake.

Inside his room hangs a black and white picture of him, his wife of almost 80 years, Ila Mae Beam, and his only daughter, an Alabama Crimson Tide hat, a Bible and his favorite, a drink of Mountain Dew.

When asked what faculty thought his secret to living to such a distinguished age was, Kristy Pierce, Activities Director for Diversicare, had two words: Mountain Dew and mouthwash. 

Bagwell seems to always have a Mountain Dew drink handy, and his oral hygiene is pristine. 

But when you ask Bagwell, it’s all about Jesus.

Bagwell’s parents paid $15 for his home birth back in 1923 just outside of Albertville. He was delivered at home by a doctor who became one of his friends as he grew older.

He remembers going to Asbury School but didn’t finish after the 7th grade.

Bagwell married his lifelong sweetheart, Beam when they were in their early 20s.

They were married for almost 80 years before she passed away. The couple had only one daughter, who is now 67 years old. 

Bagwell has two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He’s proud of the life he’s lived as a security guard in Tennessee, a businessman who helped others when he could and his constant faith in Jesus Christ. 

Back when the Model-T was the car of the times, Bagwell can remember being one year old and conversations he had with his mother. 

“I asked her one day, mom, do you love me,” Bagwell recalled. “She looked down at me and said, I love Jesus first and you second. Of course I love you.”

He has carried their conversation with him his entire life. 

“I owe my life to Jesus. He let me live this long. If he wants me to live, he will let me live.”

Although he does credit his love of Moon Pies and Honey Buns that give him a good reason to play bingo, he says helping people has always been important to him.

“I believe in helping people. I know how I come up. I was raised up poor, but God blessed me. I believe it all came from Jesus Christ,” Bagwell continued. “I pray too every day, and I pray to Him.”

Bagwell’s life is now at a little slower paced due to losing his ability to walk around five years ago but that doesn’t stop him from being almost completely independent in the facility.

Bagwell is currently the oldest living resident at Diversicare in Boaz.

Kristy Pierce said Bagwell is loved by all staff and residents. 

“Everyone loves Pops. We all know him, and we all love him.”