Gould B. Hagler died at his home in Augusta on February 14 at the age of 93.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30PM on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church with Rev. Gerald Regan and Rev. David Arnoldt celebrants. Burial will follow at Summerville Cemetery.
Mr. Hagler is survived by five of his six children, Gould B. Hagler, Jr; Susan Schafer (Robert Cameron); Robert C. Hagler (Mary Louise); Charles W. Hagler; Stephen H. Hagler (Alice); 21 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Mary H. Hagler, his wife of 60 years, preceded him in death in 2007. He was also preceded in death by his son, Michael B. Hagler (Pia).
Mr. Hagler was a native of Augusta and a life-long resident of the city. He attended the Academy of Richmond County, the University of Georgia and the University’s School of Law. He was an active member of St. Mary-on-the-Hill Catholic Church throughout his life.
Mr. Hagler practiced law in Augusta from 1948 until his retirement in 1989. He began the practice of law with the firm of Fulcher and Fulcher and was with that firm, which continues to operate under the name Fulcher Hagler LLP, for his entire career. For several years prior to his retirement he was the firm’s senior partner.
Early in his career, Mr. Hagler was the president of the Young Lawyers of Georgia. He was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a co-founder of the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association. He served as a member of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia and president of the Augusta Bar Association. He served a five-year term as a member of the State Board of Bar Examiners, one year as chairman.
Mr. Hagler was a quiet supporter of numerous charities. Many people in Augusta and elsewhere benefitted from his good works, never knowing of his involvement.
Mr. Hagler was a combat veteran of World War II, volunteering for service in the army at the age of 18 and serving in the European Theater of Operations. In 2008 and 2009 he volunteered to interview other World War II veterans in the Augusta area as part of a project organized by the Library of Congress to make a video record of veterans’ war time experiences.
The family extends its heartfelt thanks to Barbara Smith and Kelly and David Day of MYD Services and the devoted caregivers, Cathy, Elbert, Shirley, and Artis, who provided such comfort for Mr. Hagler and his family.
A rosary service will be held on Friday, February 16, 2018 at 5:30 PM and the family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Stephen Hagler, Jr., Jay Hagler, Roger Hagler, Barrett Hagler, Sam Hagler, Charlie Hagler, Mike Hagler, Gould Hagler, II, and Heather Hagler.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to St. Mary-on-the Hill Church (1420 Monte Sano Ave, Augusta, GA 30904) or Aquinas High School (1920 Highland Ave, Augusta, GA 30904).