by his daughter Jane Jones
Charlie P Baggett 1926 – 1994
This is a story about my dad, Charlie P Baggett, better known as C.P.
C.P. was born to Homer S and Myrtle Campbell Baggett on July 31, l926, Dora, Alabama. He had two sisters: Florence Wiley – Life long resident of Dora, deceased 10/2003, and Sandra Morgan – Forestdale, Alabama. He had one brother, Steve Baggett, Bessemer, Alabama.
The only memories I have regarding my dad’s school history is what I was told about him all my life. He and Aunt Florence walked to school. They carried biscuits and onions in their lunch pail. He would have an F on his report card and make it an A. He quit school in the 8th grade.
C.P. married Ethel Catherine Snead from Labuco, Al, May 6, l944. They were married for 50 years at the time of his death. Ethel Catherine Snead Baggett – deceased 2/22/2002.
He joined the military when he was l7 years old. He was inducted in the U.S Army October l7, 1944, came home February 12, 1945. He left for overseas February 22, l945 and came back to the states September 20, 1946. He served in World War II and toured the Philippines and Japan.
When he returned home from the military service he worked numerous different jobs. In 1965 until 1970 he owned and operated a gas station adjoined to Red & Penny’s café on Hwy 78.
At this point he had a heart attack and was in bad health.
Therefore, he took it easy and went fishing at Williams Lake. He became active with the CB Clubs and helped with many Coffee Breaks to raise money for the needy. He was known on the CB as POOR BOY.
Later, he made friends with a policeman in Dora, who was a CB buddy. His name was Allen England (NIGHT CRAWLER) . He would ride in the police car with him and became very interested in law enforcement. At some point, 1975, he was hired full time and became the dispatcher and jailer.
When there was a football game, he kept up with the score, when the game was over, he would announce the score and give a blast on the civil defense siren. There were time agents from FCC would scold him for his unauthorized use of the radio, but it was all in good fun he would explain and they would agree.
FCC never bothered him about being Santa Claus. His Santa Claus radio impersonation of St Nick was popular in Walker and Jefferson County. He played Santa for various functions and rode the fire truck many times as St Nick. He was a popular dispatcher. Many people told him they had heard him on the police scanner. They just listened to the scanner to hear his comments. He was a member of the East Walker Lions club, Fraternal Order of Police, Four terms as Constable, and VFW.
After retirement, he continued to work as a dispatcher whenever he was needed up until his death. He had worked on Saturday before he died on Sunday.
He had a funeral possession fit for a King. There was 30 or so police cars and fire trucks from Walker County and all surrounding counties. The Dora Police Department were pall bearers and honorary pall bearers. He is buried in the East Dora Cemetery behind Dora Church of God.
An American flag is at his gravesite at all times.
He loved the United States and Dora. He loved to serve his country and community. He lived in Dora all his life.
His survivors include two daughters; Jane B Jones & Eddie from Moody, Alabama, and Cathy B. Hicks and her husband Buddy of Oak Grove. a grandchild Jeffrey Jones and his wife Julie from Moody , Alabama and a great grandchild Tyler Jones.
Grandchild Michael Jones & Chere Remlap, Al
Great grandchild Avery Jones
Great grandchild Michaela Jones
Daughter Cathy B Hicks & Buddy Oak Grove, Al
Grandchild Stefan Kim & Amanda McCalla, Al
As my dad would say at the end of each shift.
A Big 10-42, Police code for ending tour of duty.