Ollie Hagan of New Bedford, Massachusetts, transitioned to be with the heavenly Father on Friday, April 16, 2021 at the age of 87 from natural causes, while he was surrounded by loved ones at his home.
Mr. Hagan is survived by his wife, Lelia McCray Hagan; two sons, Willie Hagan of Long Beach, CA, Arnold Hagan of New Bedford; three siblings, Mary Hagan of San Francisco, Robert Hagan of Mississippi, and Douglas Hagan of Williston, NC; his extended family: Carol Clay (daughter) and her children, Marcia Alvarado (granddaughter), and many more grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his children, Robert Hagan, Donald Hagan, and Ollie Hagan, Jr.; his first wife, Dorothy Wright Hagan, and his siblings, Gloria Filhioh, Virginia Hagan, Dorothy Hagan, Lossie Hagan, Walker Hagan, and Oscar Hagan, Jr.
Born on July 9, 1933 in Williamston, NC, son of the late Oscar and Mary (Spruill) Hagan; Mr. Ollie Hagan served in the United States Navy for 26 years, where he became one of the U.S. Navy’s Light Heavyweight Boxing Champions. He also took tremendous pride in being the only black submariner on the USS Robert E Lee Pax Deterrendo Submarine.
Following his retirement from the military, he was employed as a Correctional Officer at the Deer Island Prison in Boston, Mass., before relocating to Virginia. In Boston, he was well-known in the community for serving the inner-city youth as both, a basketball coach and a boy scout leader, especially at the Archdale and Roslindale low-income housing projects.
Mr. Hagan also known as “Uncle” was a great, hard-working, loving, and kind man who was devoted to helping others. He enjoyed playing spades, the Boston Red Sox, cooking, and his famous jar of sweet iced tea. He impacted many lives during his time. His love and legacy will continue to live in all those who loved him.
Funeral Services will be held at the Christian Fellowship Center, 822 Church St., in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on Friday, April 23, 2021 beginning with the Wake (visitation and viewing) from 10:00AM–11:00AM. The Ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM. The Burial will follow at 1:45 PM at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts.
Provided COVID-19 guidelines, all attending guests are required to wear masks, be seated 3-6ft apart where applicable, and use caution when touching common surfaces.
Flowers and condolences may be sent directly to:
Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home
For: Ollie Hagan
495 Park Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.