by David Morgan, Lawrence County Executive
It is proof of the uncertainty of life that I find myself writing again so soon about the loss of a friend in Lawrence County government.
Two weeks ago this column was about former Lawrence County Executive Marty Dunkin, who passed away November 19. Just ten days later, we lost Roy Dale Hagan, who was serving his first term as 4th District County Commissioner.
I got to know Roy over the last few years, but growing up, I drove by his house on Revilo Road on my way to swim in the Pennycuff Hole on Peach Creek. I knew I was in Hagan country then, and Roy helped make it so by living there his entire life. People who have that kind of connection to their communities are growing rarer, but make Lawrence County a better place for all of us.
Roy grew up working on the family farm and continued to raise livestock there. Like many farmers, he also held other full-time jobs – first as the Tool Room supervisor at Murray Ohio and then as Plant Manager at Delta Steel & Tube in Florence, Alabama, where he retired.
Roy served his neighbors as a Commissioner, a member of the Fall River Community Club, and a founder of the Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department. He also had memberships in the Lawrenceburg Lions Club, Masonic Lodge #542, and the Crossroads of Dixie Antique Tractor & Engine Club. He and his wife Connie were members of Copperas Branch Baptist Church.
He is also survived by sons Steve Hagan and Nick Moore, daughter Heather Jordan, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a sister, Melinda Shipley.
He also leaves behind many friends. Roy always approached people with smile on his face and a joke at the ready. He was serious when he needed to be, but his personality was light and likeable. The Commission, and Fall River, won’t be the same without him.
