He was born December 29, 1924 in Clyde, Texas. Al joined the United States Army Air Corp and served in Italy and France during World War II. Upon returning home he worked a short time in the oil field, but shortly after began his food service career by cooking in Roby, Colorado City and Snyder. He moved to Big Spring and he worked for the Wagon Wheel Restaurant. After a short period, the owner enlisted Al to start the Wagon Wheel Drive Inns. After several years, there were three Wagon Wheels Inns and Al oversaw operations of the drive-inns and a commissary serving all three.
In 1962, he purchased what was the “Big M”, and founded “Al’s Drive Inn”. In 1964, he started “Al’s BBQ” on 4th Street which is still in operation.
He has held many volunteer positions through the years including, an elder at Hillcrests Baptist Church, President of the local chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association, a State Director of the Texas Restaurant Association, and other offices. He was a member of the Lions Club, the Gideons, and various organizations.
Al was preceded in death by his wife; his parents, Clyde and Sally Bagwell; three brothers, Bob Bagwell, Bill Bagwell and Hulen Bagwell; and his sister, Aunt Sis. He is survived by his son, Chuck Bagwell and wife, Sue, of Big Spring;, two daughters, Debbie Donaldson and husband, Bill of Hurst and Cindy Hughes of Gordon; seven grandchildren, and ten grandchildren.
He was born December 29, 1924 in Clyde, Texas. Al joined the United States Army Air Corp and served in Italy and France during World War II. Upon returning home he worked a short time in the oil field, but shortly after began his food service career by cooking in Roby, Colorado City and Snyder. He moved to Big Spring and he worked for the Wagon Wheel Restaurant. After a short period, the owner enlisted Al to start the Wagon Wheel Drive Inns. After several years, there were three Wagon Wheels Inns and Al oversaw operations of the drive-inns and a commissary serving all three.
In 1962, he purchased what was the “Big M”, and founded “Al’s Drive Inn”. In 1964, he started “Al’s BBQ” on 4th Street which is still in operation.
He has held many volunteer positions through the years including, an elder at Hillcrests Baptist Church, President of the local chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association, a State Director of the Texas Restaurant Association, and other offices. He was a member of the Lions Club, the Gideons, and various organizations.
Al was preceded in death by his wife; his parents, Clyde and Sally Bagwell; three brothers, Bob Bagwell, Bill Bagwell and Hulen Bagwell; and his sister, Aunt Sis. He is survived by his son, Chuck Bagwell and wife, Sue, of Big Spring;, two daughters, Debbie Donaldson and husband, Bill of Hurst and Cindy Hughes of Gordon; seven grandchildren, and ten grandchildren.
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