Donald Marion Hagy

We sadly announce the passing of the beloved Dr. Donald Marion Hagy, age 91. Dr. Hagy passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of July 29, 2023 in his family home in Sacramento, California, surrounded by his family. Dr. Hagy is survived by his wife Lucy, and five children; Donald Jr., Steven, Bruce, Mark and Robin. Also by his many wonderful grand children, and great grand children whom he cherished lovingly. Don spent his younger days growing up on the family farm in Shiloh, Tennessee with his siblings, Jack, Bob and Dott. The farm house was built by his great grand Father prior to the civil war. It was on this land that much of the famous civil war “Battle of Shiloh” was fought. Don spent many boyhood hours roaming the acreage with his siblings in search of relics left behind by men who had so valiantly fought on this hallowed ground. During Don’s early school years he developed a keen interest in art, and was almost ready to pursue a career in that field when his mind turned toward dentistry and the University of Tennessee. In 1954 he received his dental degree from that institution. Following graduation Don Hagy entered the United States Air Force and spent much of his next two years in North Africa, and Tripoli. It was there that Don met the love of his life, Lucy, who soon after became his wife in 1957. Following his tour of duty he entered an oral surgery residency program at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. Upon completion of his training he spent time teaching at Loyola University prior to journeying west to begin his private practice in Sacramento (1963). Over these many years Don Hagy has served dentistry and his specialty with complete dedication. He served as president of the Northern California Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, the Western Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, then the American Board fo Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. During Don’s busy professional schedule he never lost interest in his secondary avocation of painting and periodically worked in oils, acrylic and his favorite, Water Color. Don along with his sister, Dott Douglas, also an accomplished artist in her own right, presented together a show at the family restaurant, The Hagy Catfish Hotel in Shiloh, Tennessee. Don also had a local gallery show in Sacramento, California along side his daughter, Robin’s photography. Don shared so many wonderful memories with the love of his life, Lucy. Throughout the 66 years together, Don and Lucy created the most beautiful loving life together. Fulfilled with their five children and extended family of grand children and great grand children. Don and Lucy had a special relationship that was like no other. They truly were the other half of one another, as was evident in the amount of time they were together. They were there for each other up through Don’s life. Don had a great love of sports and outdoor activities. Amongst the many were tennis, running, skiing, hiking, biking, and basketball. He played basketball in a local men’s dental league in Sacramento. Also daily would spend many an evening after work to run through the streets of his scenic neighborhood. Don and Lucy enjoyed bringing their family into the fold of outdoor activities by organizing many family trips to the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe, hiking the trails of Yosemite, touring the coastal towns of California, and many other excursions providing much exploring and experiences for his five children. It was important to Don and Lucy that they share in their love of traveling with their children. Thus many vacations included packing his and Lucy’s five children to places including Hawaii, Europe; England, Ireland, France, and Germany. And, oh the stories to be told of what traveling with such a large family of young children can look like, including driving through the winding roads of Hawaii at considerable speeds, driving on the wrong side of the roads in England,

 

luggage taking flight off the top of the car and sliding across the Autobahn, amongst many other adventures to now look back at fondly. Don’s family was what was always of upmost importance to him as is a common thread in his history. Instilled early on in life through the wonderful upbringing with his parents Norwin and Dorothy Hagy, alongside his siblings, Don learned what it meant to have close family ties. Many a story could be told about the adventures he had with his brothers Jack and Bob and sister Dott. Who he maintained close relationships throughout all of their lives. Don and Lucy took the time to pass this love of family on to not only their five children, but did not miss an opportunity to share in life’s experiences with his Grand Children and Great Grand Children. Don spent endless holidays, birthdays and many other celebrations with his family as much as time permitted. Whether it was playing badmitton, swimming, barbecuing and just having one on one time talking and sharing interests and dreams. Don was a supporter for whatever would make his children and grand children happy. Never judging, and always available to help in any way to elevate any one of them to the highest level of achievements. It can’t go without sharing one of Don’s other major passions; that of reading and writing. You could always find him with a book nearby and pen or pencil in hand taking notes to stretch his writing potential. With this passion Don knew he wanted to share many of his childhood stories and life experiences with his family especially. Best way he knew how to do that besides sharing his stories throughout his life, was to write about them. For 20 years of his life Don spent daily and weekly time writing down all he could to be assured his story could be told about his young life in Shiloh, and expanding to his schooling, marriage and family. It was important that he share this legacy that could be passed down for generations to come. His undeniable joy of life is expressed in the over 700 plus page book we are in the process of finalizing. Titled ‘A Place Called Shiloh’, Don has taken us on a journey woven through the fabric of time that is made up his incredible fulfilled life. He will be missed by many, as Don was such a kind and giving individual throughout his long and beautiful life of almost 92 years. Always a smile on his face, a joke to be told, and just a gentle soul to all he met.

 

Occupation:
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Office - 2525 K. Street, Sacramento, CA
1963-1990
Dental Education:
University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, Memphis, TN
1954
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency:
Charity Hospital of New Orleans, LA
1959-1962
Chief Resident 1961-62
Teaching Appointments:
Loyola University School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA
          Instructor, Dept. of Anatomy
          1961-62
          Assistant Professor of Oral Pathology
          1962-63
University of Pacific School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA
          Adjunct Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
          1990—93
Professional Organizations:
Northern California Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
          President 1975-76
Western Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
          President 1979-80
Sacramento District Dental Society
          President 1982-83
California Dental Association
          Trustee 1983-85
American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
          Diplomate 1966
          Advisory Committee/Board Examiner 1979-85
          Director/Officer 1985-92
          President 1991-92
Honorary Memberships:
Fellow of American College of Dentists
Fellow of International College of Dentists
Military Service:
United States Air Force-Dental Corps, Capt.
          Wheelus AFB-Tripoli, Libya
          1955-57
USAF Reserve, Major
          Discharge 1972
Local Organizations/Clubs:
American Cancer Society
          Director 1967-70
Golden Empire Regional Health Planning Council
          Director 1968-73
Rotary Club of Sacramento
          1976-present
          Director 1984-86
          Paul Harris Fellow 1994
Golden Empire Council-Boy Scouts
          Executive Board 1984-87
Northridge Country Club
          1991-Present