Jack O’Kelley Baggett Jr., 76, of Lawrenceville, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Arbor Terrace Assisted Living at Hamilton Mill where he had been living for the past three years. He was surrounded by family, Arbor Terrace staff and Agape Hospice Care (both to whom our family owe a debt of gratitude for their excellent care, love, and warm humor).
Jack enjoyed fondly bantering with his care team with his unique wit and leading them on exciting hunts to Aldi’s. At Arbor, he found enjoyment in painting in the art class. Jack was a fun-loving, charming, charitable gentleman who will be remembered for his perseverance and his lively sense of humor.
He was a member of Central Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years, and he was known for his fervent faith in Jesus Christ. One of his favorite Bible verses from childhood was, “what time I am afraid I will trust in thee” (Psalms 56:3).
Jack was dedicated to his life’s work in real estate and investing. A favorite place where Jack drew spiritual inspiration was in Ridgecrest, N.C., where he hiked trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains, attended Bible Conferences at Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly, and hopped trains to Old Fort. There he enjoyed fun and fellowship with family and Central Baptist friends at our family cabin.
Jack found joy from his seasonal garden and watching the various birds and wildlife that it attracted. He later enjoyed collecting colorful hand-carved birds that he enjoyed showing to others.
Some of his favorite snacks were a good hotdog from the Varsity or Gunter’s BBQ, rock shrimp from Dixie Crossroads, and yellow cake with chocolate icing.
Jack had a deep interest in apologetics and theology and loved the pursuit of knowledge which he instilled in his nephews and nieces. Jack would jokingly tell them that the reason that he would rest his head on a book while napping was to “obtain knowledge through osmosis.” He continually challenged them to be truth seekers and defenders of the faith.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Rebecca (Otwell) Baggett; brother, Roy Baggett, and sister, Virginia (Jenny) Baggett. He is survived by his sisters and brothers-in-laws: Becky (Howard) Torbett, Peggy (David) McCleskey, Judy Baggett and Jill (Rick) Jackson; nephews and nieces: David (Jennifer) Torbett, Dan (Beth) Torbett, Josh (Zulie) Torbett, Elizabeth (Nate) Loyd; Becca McCleskey; Eric (Emily) Jackson, Jack Jackson, Sarah Jackson, Mary (Caleb) Eppling and Ryan Jackson.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Georgia Right To Life, P.O. Box 2665, Norcross, Ga. 30091; 770.339.6880; grtl.org/donate; AnswersInGenesis.org/donate.
Jack’s funeral visitation and celebration services will be held at Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 300 Simonton Road, Lawrenceville. Visitation will be Thursday, February 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, February 7 from 9 to 11 a.m. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday. After the service, the family invites guests to join them for a light luncheon at Lawrenceville First Baptist Church, 165 South Clayton Street. Arrangements by Tim Stewart Funeral Home of Lawrenceville.
